Minutes-12/18/1997

LETTER OF OBJECTION SPECIAL EXCEPTION PERMIT - CYPRESS REAL ESTATE, F/B/O NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS December 9, 1997 Board of Adjustment City of Tiffin P.O. Box 259 Tiffin, IA 52340 Dear Sir/Madam: I am writing on behalf of my clients, Ned and Ann Allen, regarding the recent Public Notification letter they received from the Board of Adjustment in reference to the proposed telecommunications tower for Nextel Communications, to be located southwest of the intersection of Ireland Avenue and the railroad right of way on the Larry and Delores Ryan property. There are a number of issues and problems with locating the telecommunications tower at the proposed site, which should result in a denial of a special exception permit. One of the main concerns is with the esthetics of locating this tower at a site within the city limits, which in fact could be towards the middle of town, depending upon how development in Tiffin proceeds. The Allens already have nine steel towers and power lines close to their property, and another cellular tower on Green Castle is close to their property as well. There is no reason to locate these unsightly towers within or near to the city limits, and it would be greatly preferable to locate the tower at a more remote location where is it not so readily visible. In addition, there is the possibility that the intersection of Ireland Avenue and the railroad right of way may be changed or realigned in the future, and locating a cellular tower there would certainly limit the possibilities. Altering that intersection has been previously considered, and location of a permanent installation such as the proposed cellular tower does not leave many options open. The proposed site is also located in a low lying area, and possibly in a flood plain, which seems to be an undesirable location for practical reasons as well. In fact, that area has already been flooded a number of times.