The proposed new Verizon cell phone tower to be located on the north side of Bridger Drive is generating much controversy and spurring efforts for thoughtful planning. A couple of recent news reports stated that the controversy stemmed from some homeowners  in the area objecting  that their mountain views will be impacted. However, this isn’t about a few people. It’s about ALL the people in the Bozeman area and about protecting the beautiful viewshed we are blessed with. When you drive out to Bridger Canyon and you come to the light at Bridger Drive and Griffin, currently there is a beautiful view of the Bridgers. If the tower is built at the proposed site, you will then see a 90 ft., large, lattice tower smack dab in the middle of that view. The term to describe it is ‘eyesore”. Not only that, it will be 15 yards from the back door of new “green technology” condominiums being built that were approved by the city in 2007 after extensive planning—a definite negative impact on nearby property values and a possible impact on public health and safety.

This site is also located within one of Bozeman’s Entryway Corridor Overlay Districts, which were created by the City to enhance the entryways into Bozeman. With this proposed tower, we will now have another eyesore on top of the blight of the abandoned Trailer Park right across the street and the defunct Story Mill project. So much for enhancing our entryway corridor!

No one is saying that Verizon shouldn’t build the tower they say they need. The issue is where the towers are located. This particular tower site does not comply with City Telecommunications Guidelines—those Guidelines state that  Wireless Towers are visually obtrusive and can have negative impacts on Bozeman’s character, economics and viewsheds. Further, that the City desires to minimize adverse impacts by promoting things like co-location, stealth installations, and small towers.  But the proposed Verizon Tower is NONE of these. The City should require Verizon to explore other sites–there are alternate locations that are much less obtrusive.

Plus, Verizon has stated that they plan on building seven more towers in Bozeman to accommodate future demand. Soon there will be other cell carriers coming to Bozeman that will want to build towers. Once built they are there for 25 years –the minimum lease for carriers!

The Bozeman Planning Department and we as a community, must slow down and take time to plan for these future sites. City guidelines state “the City will exercise its authority in the regulation of placement, construction, and modification of wireless facilities.” Now is the time to require Verizon and other carriers to present their “whole build-out plan” for coverage, and not approve one Tower at a time haphazardly set up all over the valley. There is good coverage throughout the area now, so there is time for some thoughtful planning. We have the luxury of learning from what other cities are currently doing. There have been many creative types of towers constructed in places that have similar scenic viewsheds to protect. Things like co-locations for multiple carriers which reduces the number of towers, and stealth/camouflaging techniques such as Mono-Pine trees. Next time you are downtown, look up to the tall bank building and see the antenna eye pollution — simple, false parapet walls could have covered that.

This is our chance to design Bozeman’s future. We need to limit tower proliferation, protect from valuable viewshed pollution, and facilitate good solutions for BOTH the community and the carriers. Let’s  learn from past mistakes like the Story Mill trailer park, the historic Lehrkind Brewery building and the Armory building downtown. Rushing to approve this type of tower at this location would be another mistake and would encourage more of the same.
One of our greatest assets that brings people and businesses to Bozeman is our incredible scenic views. We need to be vigilant and make sure they are protected. A proliferation of Towers everywhere you look will change the old “Can You Hear Me Now?” to “You Sure Can SEE Me Now!” Does Bozeman want that to happen?

You are encouraged to submit  your opinion to the City Commissioners and/or attend the Public Hearing on August 15, 2011 at the City Hall, 6pm.

Bob Trombley is a 17 year resident of Bozeman and is retired after 35 years as an executive in the insurance industry with MetLife Auto & Home Insurance Company.