Topeka OKs two communications tower permits, denies a third

The Topeka City Council and Mayor Michelle De La Isla on Tuesday evening OK’d two permits allowing tall communications towers to be put up in separate parts of the city but denied a proposed permit for a third. The city’s planning staff had recommended the mayor and council approve the permits for the properties on Fairlawn and S.E. 29th but deny the one for the property on S.W. Taylor.

Planning and development director Bill Fiander said the latter area is economically distressed and the tower’s presence could discourage investment there.

Still, city attorney Lisa Robertson warned that the city might face a lawsuit if it rejected AT&T’s application for that permit.