CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – A group of Clarksville neighbors are fighting to keep a cell tower from moving into their neighborhood.
The St. Bethlehem United Methodist Church along Old Russellville Pike in the St. Bethlehem/Rossview community is considering leasing part of its property to Verizon to build a 100 foot tall cell tower.
Neighbors said they just learned about the possible project last week, and are already fighting back.
“It will bring down property values, and be an eyesore,” said Frances McKillip, who lives across the street from the church. “We were not consulted in any way, shape or form. Churches should lead. Churches should work with the community."
McKillip and others attended a meeting at the church about the project last week. Bill Powers, Ward 11 City Council Member, also attended the meeting. He said the addition of the cell tower could bring in extra money to the church, but it was clear at the meeting the majority of residents opposed the idea.
McKillip said there are 9 other cell towers in a 3 mile radius of the neighborhood. She said adding another in the middle of a residential area and across the street from the Country Womans Club, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, just doesn’t make sense.
Now signs opposing the cell tower fill yards in the area. Neighbors vow to keep fighting.
“We are pleading with the church,” said McKillip. “We are saying please be a good neighbor.”
No one at the St. Bethlehem United Methodist Church was available to comment.
The issue is on the agenda for the next Clarksville-Montgomery County Planning Commission meeting on July 29 at 2 p.m.
