Yesterday, Monday, September 13th, the Eagle Harbor Township Board met to review and vote on the application from Diamond Towers for a special use permit to build a cell tower. This is the 263ft cell tower that is proposed to be located on US Hwy 41, across from the Lodge.
The Eagle Harbor Township Planning Commission had reviewed and voted to recommend to the board to deny the special use permit. The board adhered to the planning commission’s recommendation.
The Board agreed with the Planning Commission that the following two required standards for approving a special use were not met:
- 10.5.1(A): The Special Land Use shall be designed, constructed, operated and maintained in a manner harmonious with the character of adjacent property and the surrounding area; and
- 10.5.1(B): The Special Land Use shall not change the essential character of the surrounding area.
As a result, the Board denied the cell tower special use permit application.
It is good to see that we, as a community, are aware of our natural surroundings and understanding the value of the tip of the Keweenaw. That said, now, more than ever, we want to help find a solution to the mobile phone communication situation. If you want to join in, you can stay abreast by going to our projects page, “Improving Mobile Phone Communication“, staying abreast on the activities associated with this project, and even better yet, getting involved as a community member. Fall in love with the problem as a community, so that we can find a better solution.