4/4/2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Robert Birch, 3110 Cherry Palm Drive, Tampa, President of 21' Century, commented that the existing tower was priced under $10,000, while a "tree" tower would be approximately $180,000. The tower in question is an after -the -fact permit application. When 21' Century became aware that no permits had been pulled, they immediately tried to remedy the situation. The contractor was dismissed immediately and they have worked with staff to try to reach an agreeable settlement. They have a commitment to the residents of Lakewood Village and the only formal complaint came from their competitor, TCI. They are a reputable company and have never had another situation such as this. They will accommodate the County wherever they can, within reason. He asked the Board to accept their apology and noted that they have bent over backward trying to comply with the County's regulations. Carl Haulk, 1798 Split Fork Drive, West Palm Beach, a telecommunications consultant, responded to Commissioner Macht's questions regarding the necessity for a 110 - foot tower and all the antennas being used. He did not feel they could make do with a lower tower and also felt that camouflaging the tower would weaken their reception. Steve Ross, Ross & Hardies, 888 16' Street NW, Washington, D.C., a communications attorney for 31 years, stated that he is very familiar with FCC regulations and believes this tower is necessary to provide service to the residents of Lakewood Village. He felt that, in addition to whether or not the tower is camouflaged, there is also a need to determine whether or not the County's ordinance interferes with the Telecommunications Act:. Mr. Ross believed that staff's determination is discriminatory and anti -competition. To require them to build a tower costing $180,000 is ridiculous because there are no trees around there of that height. He believed the existing tower to be necessary and consistent APRIL 4, 2000 -94 0 -