The question seems simple enough. Should a telecommunications tower on Mount Morrison be replaced?
However, two nights of public testimony, five hours of rebuttals from the proponents and a 40-minute executive session were not enough for the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners to find an answer Jan. 7.
Bear Creek Development Corp. wants to take down its Channel 59 tower and replace it with a shorter, wider tower. In the process, the Channel 6 tower, near the Boettcher Mansion on Lookout Mountain, also would come down.
The proposed new tower would be equipped to transmit analog and digital signals for PBS affiliate Channel 6. It also would broadcast signals for Catholic Channel 23, PAX (Channel 59), Telemundo Channel 63 and several radio stations. Furthermore, Bear Creek officials said the antennas would be designed to equip many more broadcasters should they choose to move to Mount Morrison.
However, many Genesee and Lookout Mountain residents oppose the plan because of health concerns regarding radio frequency emissions and visual impacts, as well as safety worries regarding the road to the proposed new facility.
The objections prompted a series of questions from the commissioners for Bear Creek officials and staff. However, an eight-hour hearing Jan. 7 was not enough to answer all the questions.
Staffers and officials will take until Feb. 4 to work on answers.
Many of the questions regard technicalities in the county written restrictions. But the commissioners also want to ensure the existing towers are removed. They are insisting on more than verbal promises.
Bear Creek attorney Marti Allbright took the decision – or lack thereof – in stride.
“It is truly our intent to work with the county, work with the staff and reach mutually agreeable resolutions,” Allbright said.