The Wichita City Council has voted unanimously to return a proposal that would place an 80-foot wireless communication tower at 18th and Woodland to the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission for further consideration. The vote Tuesday comes after more than 81% of surrounding property owners signed a protest petition against the T-Mobile tower.
North Riverside Neighborhood Association President Claire Willenberg told The Eagle the vote was disappointing because the council didn’t flat out refuse to approve a conditional use permit that would allow construction of the tower behind a vehicle repair shop on the northwest corner of the intersection.
But she also said it’s a positive move because residents will have another chance to argue their case to MAPC.
“Core neighborhoods — the older neighborhoods — really struggle to maintain a livable, vibrant community. … We work continuously trying to improve the visual environment,” Willenberg said, adding that some residents aren’t convinced they need the added data capacity the T-Mobile tower would bring to the area.
She thinks a smaller tower like other carriers use around town would be sufficient.
(Read more: Wichita Eagle)