Diamond Communications and Ramaker & Associates have agreed to do drone and balloon tests as part of the Section 106 “avoidance, minimization, and mitigation” process. The section 106 process is a process administered by the FCC when historical properties are being affected by the development of a cell tower. The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge and Brockway Mountain Drive are both historical properties, as both properties are on the National Register of Historical Places. The Michigan State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) is also involved.
The drone and balloon tests will occur on the evening of May 24th and during the day on May 25th.
- Drone Test: Monday May 24, 2021 will occur anytime between 7:00 PM and 8:45 PM. The drone will be in the air for approximately 40 minutes.
- Balloon Test: Tuesday May 25, 2021 beginning between 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The balloon will be in the air for approximately 2-3 hours.
[ View the Photo Sim – History Highlights 2021-04-28 ]
The purpose of these two tests is to determine the height and location of the proposed tower, and where the tower will be seen from (e.g. from Brockway Mountain and KML). The past computer simulations have been inconsistent in the location and the height (as seen in the image and attached document provided below), so these tests will help with getting more accurate height and location of the proposed tower.
[ View the Photo Sim – History Highlights 2021-04-28 ]
It will not determine the width and volume of the tower or the equipment that will be on the top of the tower. It will also not emulate the white (required initially by the FAA) and the red lights that will be on the tower.
The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, Grant Township, and Eagle Harbor Township are officially consulting parties to the process.
If you aren’t able to attend in the drone / balloon tests in person,
you can watch via the Hole 1 / Brockway Mountain webcam.
Additional information on the proposed cell tower:
- Results of Eagle Harbor Township Board Meeting; Proposed cell tower to be reviewed again by the Planning Committee (April 15, 2021)
- Proposed cell tower, in the viewshed at the Lodge from Hole 1 (April 2, 2021)
Fall in love with the problem –> Limited Cell Phone Communication, to come up with a solution or solutions.