Deny the 80- to 100-foot tower at 18th and Woodland!
Interpretations are still evolving in regard to local, state and federal laws and FCC mandates concerning wireless communication, as evidenced nationwide. As mandated by state and federal rulings, Kansas law KS 66-2019, does maintain local rule. However, the City of Wichita’s approach has been rather conservative and supportive of communication service providers and their claims to need additional towers.
Unfortunately, regulations regarding local rule and the right to deny towers have not been made evident. We the undersigned believe the city has the authority, the right and obligation to deny this application based on —
The proposed macro tower at 18th and Woodland:
• isn't compatible with the use or character of the neighborhood
• isn't compatible with the intent of the updated Wireless Master Plan (pg. 5)
• will have a negative visual impact
• will detrimentally impact property values as testified to by local licensed real estate professionals and appraisers
• is overwhelmingly opposed by the public
• is unnecessary for health and safety through the transmission of 911 calls, because the FCC mandates all mobile service providers receive and transmit all 911 calls
For the reasons stated above, we the undersigned do not want a macro tower in our neighborhood as is proven by the signatures on this petition.
Why is this important?
Why us? Why is another historic neighborhood — this time North Riverside — being asked to tolerate a macro tower when small-cell technology is available and in use in newer and more affluent neighborhoods in Wichita and across the country? North Riverside is still listed by the city as a visually sensitive area where towers should be restricted. If this one tower is permitted, competitors will have legal standing to apply for additional towers in inappropriate neighborhood settings.
It's unnecessary. In late 2018, USD-259 upgraded their wireless services for students at North High and John Marshall Middle School relieving the neighborhood’s wireless load. Steel in the Air Consulting, one of America's premier consulting firms, stated, “They [service providers] can just as easily add multiple small cells and avoid costly macro towers.”
This needs to be stopped. All neighborhoods are in jeopardy if this is allowed. There is no reason for towers inside neighborhoods and nothing in any law that says we have to accept unsightly towers and suffer losses to our property values.
