Pocatello man rallies opposition to proposed cell tower

Monte Rasmussen has lived across the street from Alameda Park since 1984. Besides people watching, he likes the year-round recreation the park can provide.

When he heard about Verizon Wireless’ proposed cell tower, he thought all the fun the park provides would go away.

The telecommunications company initially pitched the cell tower to the city in November. The company would build a 105-foot tower resembling a pine tree near the park’s bathrooms. It would also install a couple of HVAC units nearby to keep the tower cool.

Besides losing the park’s good qualities, Rasmussen is worried about his neighborhood’s resale value.

“When you do something you hope to add something to it, get something out of it,” he said. “Reception and better coverage can be better obtained from (another spot). I’m sure there’s better places in the city if they want it on city property.”

Rasmussen has started a petition against the tower and has gotten around 300 people to sign it, including most of the homeowners surrounding the park.

He wants to be clear, he’s not against the city looking for revenue.

“I appreciate the council and the mayor for trying to find revenue in other areas, but there’s other places to put a cell tower,” Rasmussen said.

Verizon still has to file an application for the tower. The next step would be a public hearing at a City Council meeting, which all people living within 300 feet of the park would be invited to speak at.

Pocatello City Council wouldn’t be able to deny it on any environmental concerns because of Federal Communications Commission’s Telecommunications Act of 1996. It would only deny it on other concerns, like the tower’s aesthetics or if it doesn’t serve the city’s interests.