Here is an excerpt from an article in today’s Peninsula (Alaska) Clarion. To read the entire article, click here.
Alaska DigiTel is planning to erect a cell phone tower in the parking lot of Kenai Grace Brethren Church at the intersection of the Kenai Spur Highway and McCollum Drive, across the street from the Espy’s home.
Initially the company sought permission to erect a 120-foot tower, leasing a portion of the property from the church, according to Roy Espy. The application was denied.
The request was modified by the company, which then asked to build an 80-foot tower. That request is pending.
In a letter to the council members dated June 11, Espy said, “This morning the pastor of Kenai Grace Brethren Church came and knocked on our door to let us know that Alaska DigiTel was sending down equipment to run some tests to determine if it would be feasible to put in a 35-foot tower.”
Pastor Al Kidder said on Thursday, Alaska DigiTel is seeking to install the 80-foot tower.
“The church is willing to donate the property to Alaska DigiTel — without remuneration — if it’s for the benefit of the community,” Kidder said.
During a meeting with the community Thursday night, Alaska DigiTel showed slides of what the tower would look like, painted brown and with cedar fencing around its base.