During a recent city council meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the placement of future cell towers and the broader implications of the city’s comprehensive plan, particularly in relation to westward development.

Residents voiced their frustrations over a policy change that allows city staff to decide on cell tower locations without public input. One resident, speaking on behalf of the community, emphasized the need for council oversight and public involvement in such decisions, particularly when towers are proposed near residential areas.

Another speaker, Mike Norris, urged the council to postpone decisions related to the comprehensive plan until after the upcoming elections. He expressed skepticism about the motivations behind the plan, suggesting it primarily benefits developers at the expense of community interests. Norris highlighted a perceived disconnect between the council's actions and the desires of local residents, particularly regarding residential housing developments on the west side of the city.

Council members acknowledged the concerns raised, with one member defending the council's efforts to incorporate community feedback into the comprehensive plan. They emphasized that the planning process has included significant public input and that amendments to the Land Development Code (LDC) would be addressed by the incoming council.

The meeting concluded without any immediate resolutions, but the discussions underscored a growing tension between community interests and development plans, setting the stage for potential changes in policy following the upcoming elections.