South Tulsans Oppose Proposed Cell Tower In Neighborhood

A group of south Tulsa homeowners is worried about a possible new addition to their neighborhood.

They're joining forces to oppose a plan to build a cell tower just east of 91st and Yale.

A company called LCC Telecom wants to build a tower that is about the height of a 16-story building.

Some neighbors say it's not welcome.

The view from Judy Kolbeck's backyard could soon look very different. It could soon feature a 175-foot cell phone tower. It’s less than 300 feet from her home, and Kolbeck is worried her property value would plummet.

"If you build a tower that tall, it's going to be an eyesore,” Kolbeck said.

And she's not the only one.

Vern Suess says he'll have a clear view of the tower from his bedroom window -- one he doesn't want.

"The cell tower ruins it for all of us, in my opinion,” Suess said.

The proposed tower will be 70 feet higher than the closest cell tower.

LCC Telecom wants to build the structure right behind Red Crown Credit Union, east of 91st and Yale.

Right now, it doesn't have a permit because city ordinances say the tower would be too close to residential zoned areas. The company will ask the Tulsa Board of Adjustment for a special exception to that rule on Tuesday.

LCC Telecom's zoning director says he can't comment on the plan and asked the company's client for comment instead.

Neighbors hope that plan changes.

"I realize we don't want to stand in the way of technology and everyone wants better service, but there's better locations to put a cell tower,” Kolbeck said.

The board of adjustment could vote on it at Tuesday's meeting.

Click this link to see the submitted application by LCC Telecom.