The Voice of the Community Since 1909, Serving Moorcroft and Pine Haven, Wyoming

Board recommends cell phone tower

Variance would allow structure to be built within town limits

After their discussion with Horizon executives Josh Leonard, Mike Tason and Trevor Crow and final consideration of comments and concerns previously expressed by residents, Pine Haven's planning and zoning (P and Z) board made the decision on Monday night to recommend that the council allow the installation of the Horizon Communications tower

This recommendation will be made at the December meeting of the governing body.

The full board attended the P and Z meeting, with many seats filled by interested parties along the walls of the Pine Haven room in the community center as board members asked pointed questions of the group.

In May, Horizon LLC requested permission from TJ and Mandy Gideon of TMG Investments and owners of Cedar Ridge RV Park to install a communication tower on the property's east lot, near Pine Haven's community center, saying that this site would be an ideal spot with the capacity to cover the town and lake.

However, according to ordinance, the town does not allow the installation of such structures on private or commercial property within town limits. If the council acts on this recommendation, TMG will be free to move forward with this variance to the municipal law.

The recommendation was approved with one notable exception: Cris Bingham expressed her continued concern over the possible problems that could come with the tower, including light pollution, indoor coverage and location on private land/commercial land.

This request has been controversial since first brought to the attention of the board, but Monday night's meeting was calm and civil.