Monday, August 4, 2008

Informational Video from 9/10 Citizens' Rally

9/17> Video from 9/10 rally courtesy of Barbara Jabaily and Mary Jo Mauro of DreamTellerVideo.com:



What You Can Do

"The worst thing we can do at this point is... to wait for some decisions to be made." (YS)

Give your Input to the Commissioners. Please get it to the courthouse by the deadline of 9/19:

Call/write/fax the Huerfano County Commissioners (COMMUNICATION REC'D BY 9/19):

Address:
County Commissioners
Huerfano County Courthouse
401 Main Street, Suite 201
Walsenburg, CO 81089

Courthouse phone: 719-738-2370
Fax: 719-738-3996

(Note: It is best to avoid e-mail and contact the Commissioners by mail/fax)

Roger Cain - Chairman
District - 1
401 Main Street, Suite 201
Walsenburg, CO 81089
Home/Work phone/Address County Road 620, Gardner 719-746-2010

Scott King - Commissioner
District - 2
401 Main Street, Suite 201
Walsenburg, CO 81089
Work Phone/Address 719- 742-3281, 206 Main Street, La Veta, CO 81055
(Be sure to stop in his office or by his house and tell Scott what you think. He would love to hear from you!)

Art Bobian - Commissioner
District - 3
401 Main Street, Suite 201
Walsenburg, CO 81089
Home phone/Address 719-738-2029, 312 S. Washington Ave., Walsenburg, CO 81089

John Galusha- County Administrator
401 Main Street, Suite 201
Walsenburg, CO 81089

Get letters to the courthouse or contact Planning and Zoning Commissoners by 9/19:

Planning & Zoning Commissioners
Huerfano County Courthouse
401 Main St, Suite 201
Walsenburg, CO 81089
719-738-2370

The P&Z Commissioners are:



  • Dominick Andreatta

  • Dale Davis

  • Lewis Edmundson

  • Myrna Falk

  • Larry Mapes

  • Max Vezzani


(You can send copies of your letters to post on this web site to kkringel@gmail.com. It is nice to see our voice all in one place.)
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Businesses: Please Sign the "Businesses Against the Cell Tower" list BEFORE 9/23:

So far there are approximately 50 businesses signed. This will be presented to the County Commisioners on 9/24.

Contact: Meghan Brode - weekends: 742-5597 or weekdays: Meghan - 719-248-1014.
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Attend the Upcoming Commission Meetings:

9/23 - Planning and Zoning Meeting: On the agenda is to hear the input of John Galusha, the county administrator, on the tower, and finalize the P&Z recommendation to County Commission. 1:30pm. County Courthouse, Walsenburg. As all meetings are, this is open to the public.

9/24 - County Commissioners Meeting: On the agenda is to hear the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning commission, and decide on whether to vote on the tower application in this meeting, or to postpone the vote. 10am. County Courthouse, Walsenburg. As all meetings are, this is open to the public. As all meetings are, this is open to the public.
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Make a donation:

We may need legal help!

Give contibutions to: Chip Kraynik P.O. Box 544 La Veta, CO 81055
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Write/Fax/E-mail the Newspapers:

The La Veta Signature:
(Renee and David Rinehart)
4pm Monday is deadline

P.O Box 154
La Veta, CO 81055

Fax # 719-742-3183
E-mail: editor@signaturenewspaper.com


The Huerfano Journal:
(Gretchen and Brian Orr)

500 Main Street
Walsenburg, CO 81089

Fax # 719-738-1425
E-mail: editor@huerfanojournal.com

The Huerfano County World:
111 W. 7th Street
Walsenburg, CO 81089

Fax # 719-738-1727
E-mail: news@huerfanoworld.net

The Pueblo Chieftain:

P.O. Box 4040
Pueblo , CO 81003-0040

E-mail: http://www.chieftain.com/

(You can send copies of your letters to post on this web site to kkringel@gmail.com. It is nice to see our voice all in one place.)
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Fly a Red Balloon in Your Yard or On Your Car:
Make a Red Balloon Button that States "YES to cell service. NO to the location!":

Editor,


An open letter to Huerfano County Citizens and visitors.
I say ‘YES’ to improved cell service but I say ‘NO’ to the size and location of the proposed 180 foot cell tower. When you are out and about in the La Veta area, look to the Spanish Peaks. If the wind is not blowing a large red balloon will be flying at 180 feet directly adjacent to the proposed location of the new cell tower.
The balloon will serve as a visual representation of the height of the tower. The balloon will fall short of the true height and size but don’t be fooled. WAKE Up- LOOK –Up citizens and visitors of Huerfano County – this is no time to sleep! The summer foliage may block the tower from some perspectives, but Winter will provide full exposure of the tower.
Our County Commissioners and the County Planning Commission have decided a public hearing is not necessary. So be it. But, we will not be silenced. Our voices will be heard. Everyone who is opposed to the cell tower’s location, fly a red balloon in your yard and on your car. Make a red balloon button that states, “YES to cell service. NO to the location! “ The color red expresses our passion and love of our unobstructed view of the Wahatoyas.
We must remind the County Commissioners and the Planning Commission that they are in office to listen to the VOICES of the people. Tell them you are opposed to the cell tower; send them e-mails, write letters and give them a red balloon.



Meghan Brode 9/1/2008





Contact the La Veta Town Board to thank and support them for opposing the tower:

La Veta Town Hall
P. O. Box 174
La Veta, CO 81055

Phone: (719) 742-3631
Fax (719) 742-5420
E-mail: townoflaveta@centurytel.net
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Spread the word. Get your friends involved.
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Here are some sample letters from fellow townsfolk and others:

It’s not about whether we need improved cellphone service in the valley. It’s not about whether we need improved emergency communication service in the valley. It’s about how best to do that. How best to get what we need without making a decisive negative impact. The only resource this valley has (or for that matter the county) - both economic and natural resource - is the expansive, majestic, UNCLUTTERED view of world class natural viewscapes. Our income comes primarily from tourism and second home folks who come because this is a beautiful place to be. We do not have visitors come here for our cultural events - though they are fine. We do not have visitors come here for outstanding food or spa-like accomodations (though we’re okay in that department too). People come here to live and to visit because - and I might be so bold as to say SOLELY because- we have a pristine, open, untouched environment that they can’t find elsewhere. That’s it.

We are about to bite ourselves in the tail if we allow the County Planning & Zoning to issue a conditional use permit for the placement of a 180 foot cell tower on the edge of town. I repeat 180 feet tall - that’s 6 telephone poles tall .Along side it is an equipment building which houses air conditioners, fans and generators that produce at least 65 decibels of sound - all the time. This is gross overkill for this area - 180ft tower is meant for intracity transmission - what is it doing here?


The location for this sleeping giant is the very edge of town on a crest that overlooks the entire valley, just adjacent to the Twin Lakes and the golf course. You will see this 180 ft pole looming over treetops and church steeples from just about anywhere in town. It’s said that the tallest feature in a town represents its dearest enterprise. A cell tower - 180 ft tall?
This proposed plan benefits a few private individuals determined to push it through before they lose certain financial gains. The town and the county will not see any monetary rebates from this plan. The cost of the loss of our scenic corridor viewscape is never discussed. It is our viable commodity we are impacting.


Emergency services and cell service can and will be achieved by means that do not endanger that only real asset this valley has. This 180 ft cell tower at the edge of town is not the solution that works best for all. I urge us all to take time to think this through, and wait for the best plan to show up. In the meantime, attend the Public Hearing August 19th at 2pm, Walsenburg Community Center (carpool from town park at 1pm). Let your commissioners know that you value our valley’’s beauty and want a less destructive plan.


- Marta Moore, Letter to the Signature 8/5/2008



To P&Z Commissioners & County Commissioners:

There is something peculiar going on here with regard to the 180' cell tower application process.

First you, P&Z Commission, decide the issue is significant enough for a public hearing (good move) and schedule a time and place that will accomodate more than the usual handful of folks that show up at P&Z meetings. Next the Public Hearing is held at the community center. A large gathering of folks show up and 30 or so wish to speak to you about the issue - as far as I can tell, most of those were in opposition. As the hearing proceeds, the applicant is asked to present proof of certain procedural documents. Instead of being prepared and complete in this area, we find he has made a GROSS procedural error - forgetting to notify an adjacent landowner is so simple, fundamental and straightforward a part of the application process that even the most inexperienced of us could handle it. Hard to believe it's an oversight on the part of the applicant (One might even think it was planned.) So the public hearing is cancelled, and P&Z members are to re-visit the situation at the next Tuesday meeting. Well enough, due process must continue.

In the interim there is no change in the application nor in the opposition to it EXCEPT that the Trustees of the Town of La Veta write a letter to the P&Z UNANIMOUSLY OPPOSING THE 180' MONOPOLE - unanimous oppposition from the Town of La Veta trustees.

At the scheduled P&Z meeting, you take a 180 degree about face and change your minds about whether a public hearing is necessary or appropriate. I remind you nothing has changed, same application, same public opposition BUT with the addition of the opposition by the Town of La Veta. The same 30 or more people want to speak to you in person about this. The same (or perhaps more) people want to at least be in the same room as you while this matter is open for discussion. And what do you do but close the doors on the whole in person public process - instead making a weak excuse about "no statutory requirement for having a public hearing on CUPs". You will take written statements instead. You felt it important enough to hold a public hearing about the issue just the week before your meeting. What changed? And as an elected official you must always take written statements -that's no substitute. There's too much inconsistency here. First it's important then it's not. What is going on here? This smells of back room political shenanigans, too much searching for technical justifications and loopholes - and has no place in our county government.

This application is way too public an issue to be discussed and decided among yourselves behind closed doors. If the general public's interest is not enough, the Town of La Veta's unanimous opposition should be clue to its importance to the public. You are after all elected public officials with a mandate to respond to your constituents and most certainly to another county governmental entity. Again I ask what is going on here? Have you already decided which way to go on this? It would seem so. You're about to violate the Land Use Guide which we have agreed will protect our scenic corridor resource. You won't allow your constituents to address you in public hearing about this violation. And still you claim to represent our best interests? Your actions don't demonstrate it. Please reconsider this process and at least hold a public hearing.

Please consider your decision about this application very carefully. It is not the right solution for improved cell service. It is soon to be outdated technology AND at the same time permanently scars our most valuable resource, our uncluttered viewscape. If you decide in favor of this CUP, you will be leading our county into the dark ages of cellular technology instead of into the future of better service. Your legacy will stand as a dinosaur in our natural and cultural heartland. Not good for you and definitely not good for the county.

Thank you.

Marta Moore

PS .The photos you have been provided are an accurate, if not overly conservative, depiction of the visual impact of this monopole, . The methodology was carefully done and is described on http://lavetaco.blogspot.com Please extend us the courtesy of evaluating this information in an unbiased manner instead of accepting casual judgments about inaccuracies which have not been researched.



To P&Z Commissioners & County Commissioners:

Please go to the Town of La Veta's website www.townoflaveta-co.gov. Imagine now what the banner photo will look like with a 180' cell tower monopole prominently positioned next to the water tanks which are plainly in view. The cell tower will be 6 times taller than these structures. Now look at the picture of Main Street La Veta. Quaint & unique. Imagine what this cell tower will look like sticking up through the trees over these buildings. Why do tourists come here? For our restaurants, for our culture, sometimes.... But mostly they come for the unique viewscape that THEY CAN'T FIND ANYWHERE ELSE.

Our county's only on-going source of income is tourism. It is the life blood of this county. There's little hope of much industry coming to the county - our labor pool is limited. There's little hope of warehousing operations - we're too far from sources and gas is prohibitive. Tourism is our best bet and maybe our only bet for continuing revenues. It behooves you to keep our County unique and special in the array of other town vying for tourist money. (Incidentally, you're counting on tourism's money to help fund our emergency dispatch service.) Why would you risk negatively impacting this revenue source in any way? What can be worth threatening this?

Look again now at the banner picture on La Veta's website www.townoflaveta-co.gov. How can you defend scarring this viewscape for our future generations? What legacy will you leave as a public official? Will people remember how you put the cell tower up in La Veta, and tourism trickled down to a measly dribble? Good luck.

Marta Moore
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I currently live with my wife on an alpaca farm in Huajatolla Valley. Eight years ago we moved here as a retirement home. I'm semi-retired and work in Denver.

Please resist the building of a proposed 180-foot high cell phone tower, to locate on a hill at the "Town Lakes" south of La Veta. I respectfully encourage you to favor an alternative of placing phone receiver--transmitter panels on the existing water tanks on this same hill. This will provide adequate phone service and no additional structure to mar the extraordinary view of the Spanish Peaks. The proposed tower is not necessary. Monday this week I observed 4 different people seated on benches on Main Street happily chatting on their cell phones. The proposed tower is higher than any of the 5 cell towers I routinely see on my weekly drive on Interstate 25 between Walsenburg and Denver.

It is rumored that a tower will save lives. I consider this claim a red herring for the true, unspoken (who should speak it?) motive, which I suspect is to make money. Several transmitting panels on the town water tanks would achieve the goal of improved cell phone service and the claim that it will save lives, if that be true.

It would be a sad to see our unique La Veta village transmogrify into another of the countless American towns cluttered by technological infrastructure.

Sincerely,
Dave Moore
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We do NOT believe the proposed 180' cell tower is the best solution. Why would you take THE most beautiful spot in the world, full of so many differentland formations and history and plant a 180' pole right where it sticks out like a sore thumb obstructing these views. I'm sure this pole has a homesomewhere but not here, not in this beautiful valley. If I wanted to sit on my porch and look at a cell phone tower I'd stay in a big city.

There has to be a better solution but this is NOT the solution.

Thank you,
Jerry V. & Lyla T. Malzahn

2770 CR 360
LaVeta, CO 81055

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Dear Commissioners,

I will be out of the county when you have your meeting regarding the proposed cell phone tower in La Veta, so I am writing to state my opinion to you directly. Although I would like to have improved cell phone service at my home in La Veta, I do not believe the proposed tower is the best way to provide adequate service in our small town. My understanding from this week's paper is that Alltel wishes to put a panel antenna on one of the town's water tanks. I believe that would improve our service greatly and at far less expense. It is my opinion that the larger antenna, the tower, that is to be the subject of your meeting would detract from our area, as its great height would probably make it visible from many places that otherwise provide beautiful views. Since our area relies upon our natural beauty to attract tourists, it would seem penny wise & pound foolish to allow such a large object to detract from that which makes the area special. Therefore I am in opposition to said tower, and I urge you to not approve it.

Sincerely,
Roderick House
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Alltel's engineers have done La Veta a big favor. They have verified that cell phone service from a discreet antenna at water tank-height is practical for coverage of La Veta and Highway 160. And, one can assume that lower-frequency emergency service repeaters would have even better coverage from the tank site. Alltel trusts their engineers' finding, or they would not have offered the town $9000 per year for the use of the water tank site.

This proves beyond reasonable doubt that a 180-foot tower at a nearby location is not necessary. So, why would anybody want to build a 180-foot tower if 20 to 30 feet will do the job? The answer lies primarily in criteria for Federal subsidies for builders of tall cell towers, and in the desire for revenue by corporations and individuals who do not live in La Veta and who would not suffer the resulting eyesore.

County commissioners have the power to block construction of the 180-foot tower. I hope at their August 19th meeting, or any other time, they do not approve construction of an unnecessary eyesore like this.


Sincerely,
Reed White, Electrical Engineer

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To the Editor,

Many readers of the Pueblo Chieftain often visit the Cuchara Valley and the town of La Veta. The people of this region value the untarnished scenery and vistas surrounding the Spanish Peaks. However, most people in southeastern Colorado are probably unaware that the primary view of the Spanish Peaks could possible be ruined forever.

A 180’ cell tower has been proposed to be placed on a hill top directly south of the Town of La Veta. A public hearing held on August 19, was abruptly ended when it was revealed that Subcarrier Communications, the company behind the cell tower, had not properly notified adjacent property owners. For unknown reasons, the Huerfano County Planning Commission has now decided to not hold a public hearing.

La Veta area citizen’s desire improved cell phone reception, but not at the expense of damaging the area’s scenic beauty. The La Veta town board supports an alternative utilizing much smaller cell phone panels located on the town’s water tanks directly adjacent to the proposed site for the 180’ tower. This option stands less than 40’ tall. Note that the La Veta town board unanimously voted to oppose the 180’ tower and the proposed location violates the Huerfano County Land Use Guide.


Unfortunately, all signs are pointing to a yes vote by the Huerfano County Commissioners, supporting the tower. In lieu of a public hearing, the Commissioners are accepting written comments until Sept. 19. Those who care for the scenic beauty of the Cuchara Valley should write the Commissioners at: Huerfano County Commissioners, Huerfano County Courthouse, Walsenburg, CO 81089. Fax them at 719-738-3996. To learn more and see accurate photos of the tower’s affect on views of the Spanish Peaks go to: http://lavetaco.blogspot.com

Bob Kennemer
La Veta
9.1.2008


To the Editor,

I am writing to express my outrage related to the 180’ cell tower proposed for just north of the La Veta Town Lakes. It’s puzzling that the County Planning Commission first had granted a public hearing and has now decided against holding one. What changed? Could it be that the Planning Commission and/or the County Commissioners do not want the embarrassment of a public meeting?

I ‘m confident that most area citizen’s desire improved cell phone reception, I’m also confident that they do not want it at the expense of ruining the scenic beauty of the area. I support finding a solution to improving cell service in our area, as my cell phone does not work well in La Veta, but this tower is not the best option.

Aside from a public hearing, I propose that the County Commissioner impose a temporary moratorium (several months at least) on any new cell towers. We should take a step back and consider this issue in a county wide and well thought out fashion, rather than rushing it through in a less than transparent manner. We need thoughtful leadership from the Commissioners that invites public involvement.

During that moratorium, we should consider the following: 1) Can Subcarrier Communications and their representative, Mickey Villella, make any specific guarantees regarding improved cell service throughout the valley?, 2) Is it possible the proposed location could end up with additional towers, further damaging the scenic corridor?, 3) The proposed tower clearly violates several aspects of the County Land Use Guide; how is it this location is even on the table?, 4) What about other options like the much less obtrusive cell panels proposed by the La Veta town board?

Write the Commissioners and insist on an evening public hearing on this issue!

Bob Kennemer
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To the Editor and Huerfano County Citizens,

This letter is in response to the proposal for a 180 foot tall cell tower to be placed right in the middle of one of Colorado’s most beautiful and unique views. Commissioners, what do you think visitors come to this area to do, talk on their cell phones? I read that the person who wants to erect this tower has heard complaints from people that they get lousy cell service here. As a visitor, not a resident I say “so what?” because using my cell is the last thing on my mind when what I want to do is relax and enjoy this gorgeous place and feel like I have escaped the growth and “progress” that is running rampant along the Front Range.

Do the citizens realize that an alternative option can pay revenues from leases right to the town? I hear that the La Veta town board has opposed the tower. I can’t understand how the Commissioners can think about passing this when the town of La Veta has decided there are better alternatives. The citizens of Huerfano County need to remind their commissioners who they work for. The upcoming election should serve as a good reminder.

This proposal is for a cell tower that is both unnecessary and exploitive. The applicant is in this for his own personal gain, there is no doubt about that. His properties here in La Veta are for sale and when they do he’ll be gone and won’t have to look at the huge mess he’s made here in your valley. Citizens, act now and stop this now, easier to do than trying to get it torn down later.

Debi Allenson
9.1.2008

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September 1, 2008

To Those of You Who Think That the Proposed 180’Cell Tower on Grandote Golf Course is a Good Idea…,

Can you hear me now?..... Think again. To go through with this plan is a slap in the face of the natural beauty of this valley. Hold on to what is so uniquely amazing to this area by preserving it’s unobstructed view. Find a better way to bring better cell phone reception to your town.

Respectfully,
Jay Allenson

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September 3, 2008

To: Roger Cain, Scott King, Art Bobian, John Galusha, D. Vigil

From: Sandy Borthick (216 S. Oak, La Veta)
Re: Conditional Use Permit for Cell Tower, presented by Mickey Vilella on behalf of Subcarrier Communications


Please deny the Conditional Use Permit that Mickey Vilella isrequesting on behalf of Subcarrier Communications (Old Bridge, NJ). Here are two good reasons to deny this CUP:

1. The Town of La Veta is officially opposed to the tower CUP. The Town also is actively engaged in negotiations with Alltel for panel-type antennae that will go on the town water tanks. This will give us the improved coverage we need WITHOUT the ugly monopole that Subcarrier Communications wants to erect.

2. The tower proposed by Subcarrier Communications would violate our current Huerfano County Land Use Guide.

We do NOT need to sacrifice our skyline to get better cell phone service! This tower is unnecessary and ugly, and a better solution is already at hand. Please deny the CUP.

Thank you for your consideration.


Sincerely,

Sandy Borthick
Former La Veta Resident

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Septbember 7, 2008

To the Huerfano County Commissioners:

The proposed cell tower placed immediately south of my home in La Veta would be a scenic catastrophe. I spend endless hours at La Veta's town lakes, photographing the county's wonders and documenting them to the world.

I mean that quite literally. As I write I have web visitors from Great Britain, Bulgaria, Ottawa and the Netherlands, as well as many Americans. They are looking at pictures of the Spanish Peaks, Sangres and Greenhorn taken from those lakes.

In the last 24 hours: Las Vegas, Des Moines, Boston, Wichita, San Leandro, Richmond, San Diego, Los Angeles, Brooklyn.

Oregon, Maryland, Texas, Ohio, Florida, California, Hawaii, Indiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Michigan, Nebraska, New York.

Taiwan. Germany. Israel. India. Argentina. Turkey. Poland. Saudi Arabia. Czech Republic. Honduras. South Africa. Russia.

In any week thousands of Americans and Canadians visit as well as people from every country on earth - except North Korea.

Our reputation in the world is immense.

Many come to see pretty pictures of southern Colorado. All are potential, and many, actual, visitors to the county. I and all the other county artists carefully cultivate the world's desire to see and photograph our county in person.

Yes, the tower is completely unnecessary, its function accomplished by other technologies applied invisibly. But even more, that tower's location in the absolute visual center of the county is a scenic disaster: visible from approach for miles east of La Veta on 160, from La Veta Pass and Old La Veta Pass, Highway 12 and even north on Yellowstone Road.

The proponents argue that the tower is only a slight blemish on the county skyline. But I can attest that artistically and photographically it is a huge malignant signpost signifying that better scenery can be found *somewhere else*.

Southern Utah can only cheer as southern Colorado destroys its finest view.

I'm sure you see and understand the impact this tower would have. Please vote no.

Larry Hill
La Veta

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Huerfano County Commissioners, 9-2-08
Roger Cain, Art Bobian, and Scott King
Huerfano County Court House
401 Main St., Suite 201
Walsenburg, CO 81089

Dear County Commissioners,

I am distressed to hear that despite great public opposition and although there is an equally effective alternative, you are still considering placing a 180 foot cell phone tower directly in the view of the Spanish Peaks. I find this difficult to comprehend. La Veta is one of the few remaining natural settings in Colorado where breathtaking mountain scenery can be enjoyed without the scars of power lines, towers, neon signs, or billboards. Why in the world would you want to mar such a natural treasure when it isn’t necessary to do so?

Improved cell phone service is desirable, but there are alternatives to a tower, which will soon become obsolete anyhow. Much less intrusive panels on the La Veta town water tanks would accomplish improved cell reception. This form of cell phone enhancement would solve the concern for improved service while respecting the natural beauty of our area.

I would also urge you to reconsider having a public hearing on this matter. Much to his credit, Roger Cain was in La Veta Tuesday, Sept. 2, talking with citizens about the proposed tower. He happened to come into the library while I was working there, and from the conversation, it sounded as though there was a need for better understanding of the facts concerning this situation. Roger was tallying votes from the people he talked to for and against the tower. However I wonder how many of those people were aware that there are alternatives. Most people are in favor of improved cell phone service in our area, but I’ll bet very few would vote in favor of a tower were they aware there is a less intrusive alternative. A public hearing would give all sides a chance to state their views and give the commissioners all of the information available to help them make the right decision.

This is a serious decision. Careful thought and planning need to go into this matter. It is not something that should be rushed. Please take the time to educate yourselves regarding all aspects so that you have the actual facts regarding what is needed and what will work. And please listen seriously to the concerns expressed by your citizens.

Sincerely,
Judith Sims-Barlow
Citizen of La Veta

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CARL SHUNK
210 E. Francisco St.
P.O. Box 1202
La Veta, CO 81055
Phone 719 742-5286

9/13/2008

Huerfano County Commissioners and P&Z
401 Main St., Suite 201
Walsenburg, CO 81089

Dear Elected Officials and Appointees,

As a citizen of La Veta I am, along with many, many others vehemently opposed to the construction of a 180 foot cell tower, which if allowed to become a reality would be a disastrous esthetical blight on our beautiful view of the Spanish Peaks and surrounding area. For me, part of the enticement to locate here was the scenery and any desecration allowed to occur by you, the elected and appointed folks, against the will of the citizenry that you represent would be a misuse of the power entrusted to your office. Need you be reminded of this? Already, you have made a travesty out of your responsibility by not opening the “cell tower controversy” to a public hearing.

I VOTE NO TO A 180 FOOT CELL TOWER!

Very sincerely,

Carl Shunk

4 comments:

canyouhearmenow said...

I would love to see a fair and balanced opinion on your website. I realize that there are people opposed to this, but there are also many who support the cell tower. I have only seen the balloon flying on two occasions, and either I am missing it, or it is hard to see. Also, YOUR TOWN BOARD, had the option 2 years ago, to paint their OWN picture, and chose to run the prior Mayor out on a rail, due to his questions about cell tower and coverage. When will you hold your town board accountable for their lack of action when they had the opportunity to control this?

keli said...

This site was not created in order to represent both sides fairly and equally. All the information here should be fair and accurate however, and if you spot something untrue, please do let me know right away and I will correct it. I will also not delete your comments, unless obscene.

The balloon is a 3-4 foot diameter sphere and is only intended to show the approximate height of the tower (it has generally thus far flown somewhat lower than the tower would be tall). A massive steel tower will be bigger than and more visually impactful than a balloon no matter how high - no doubt!

There are ways of showing what a wireless installation will look like that are better than flying a red balloon. They are called visual simulation images (pictures) and are generally done by the applicant. We haven't seen ANY in this case, so we are left to use our imaginations (if we care to) ... But don't imagine that the tower will look as innocent as a little red balloon.

The scenario 2 years ago was a proposal for the same type of tower on town land in the same area. It wasn't the town's "OWN picture", just the same developer pushing a different deal... Since it is not the best or only solution for cell service, it makes sense that it would be denied twice.

Having cell service does not require a 180 foot tower. Opposing a 180 foot cell tower does not mean opposing cell service. There are more progressive solutions.

The town board is now considering 2 applications - one from Alltel and one from Commnet which would serve several carriers - to put antennas on the town water tanks. I hear that one may be being forwarded to the county so the county can choose.

This tower issue is certainly bringing to the forefront of EVERYONE'S MINDS both the risks of not having a plan (this is not only a town issue, but a county one) and the perceived need to find solutions.

The question now is: Does the town/county hear the need, and move forward with another solution that doesn't destroy it's greatest resource (it's natural beauty)? Or, does it take the quick route and pass a tower that will now "punish" the town and its permanent residents with long term blight?

keli said...

More:

I REALLY REALLY don't want an ugly tower and don't care too too much about lacking cell phone service.

You REALLY REALLY want cell phone service and don't care too too much about sacrifing natural beauty for it.

Nowadays there are plenty of places that get excellent cell phone reception throughout, but they aren't as pretty or nice/natural as La Veta.

Rather than ruin La Veta, we can find other solutions (panels, smaller towers on existing structures, distributed systems) to meet the cell service need.

I am willing to work for your cell service even if its not my top priority...are you are willing to work for preserving the natural beauty while doing it? If so, we can work together to get that solution and we can all have better cell phone service without ruining the view.

I think rather than fight, we should join forces. If we fight, one of us will lose. That's not necessary when there are answers where both win.

I'm sure you don't want to ruin the beauty of La Veta just for cell service if you can get it without that, right? After all, why do you come here in the first place?

Rajendra said...

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