Residents push back on park tower

SMITHVILLE

SMITHVILLE — Heated public opposition prompted Smithville City Council to delay action on a proposed communications tower at Keilberg Park until its meeting Monday.

A special-called meeting earlier this month focused on a proposed lease allowing the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to install a communications tower at 500 Maple St. In December, council members heard from David Wells of Branch Communications, which has been assisting LCRA search for a land easement for their tower network.

Smithville resident Jenny Bush said she had had no knowledge of the December meeting and the community should have been notified.

“We haven’t gotten the facts,” Bush said.

The proposed tower would be part of LCRA’s internal communications network and would not provide service to the city or residents. Under the proposal, the city would receive $75,000 annually for a 50-year lease of about a quarter acre in a corner of the park.

Bush noted $75,000 was not worth her mental or physical well-being, which she said might be at risk due to the proximity of the tower to her home.

After hearing from other residents, including a letter read by Bush, council members went into executive session where they were legally advised to hold a public meeting before approving the lease with LCRA.

The council met after press time Feb. 9. More details to come in the Courier.

City Council meetings are held at City Hall, 317 Main St., and are open to the public and streamed online at ci.smithville.tx.us/189/City-Council.