Council approves cell tower

The Green River City Council issued special use approval for placement of a cell tower near Mansface Tuesday evening.

According to Council documents, the tower was requested by Verizon Wireless and will be a 99’ monopole. Laura Leigh, director of community development for the city, said the city had to issue the special use permit because the tower’s location placed it in what’s known as the Bronze Belt Overlay District. Leigh said the district was created to protect the city’s scenic bluffs like Castle Rock and Mansface. She said the district dates back to 1987, when the city initially adopted its current zoning ordinance.

“It is officially described as ‘intended to protect the bluffs, buttes, rock formations and hillsides in the city of Green River that enhance the beauty and provide a visual backdrop for the city of Green River,” Leigh wrote in an email to the Star.

Leigh said the city’s planning and zoning commission originally approved the permit in October, prior to the city finalizing development guidelines for cell towers within the city. The project did receive comments from a resident concerned about rocks rolling down the hill during construction.

The tower will also result in some revenue for the city. The Council also approved an agreement between Verizon Wireless and the city to lease land for the tower for $15,500 annually. According to Council documents, the lease is set to encompass a five-year period, with an additional four years for renewal. The lease also contains a 2 percent escalation clause on rent payments made to the city.