PETITION

The "balloon test" showing the top of the tower visible from the Historic District even at the peak of the summer foliage

We, the undersigned oppose the Southeast Tower Company's cell tower proposed for location on Rt. 53 property adjacent to the Tate Historic District for the following reasons:

• The 255 ft. lattice-type tower will cause adverse visual effects on numerous historic home sites within the district as confirmed by a balloon test on 23 June 2006. Once this tower is in place, the effects on the home sites will be permanent.
• The tower will impact the quality of life of the citizens of Pickens County. At 255 feet the tower is required to have a flashing light to warn airplanes to avoid the tower. This flashing light will be seen by many of the homes in the district as well as many homes outside the district boundaries. The light will cause significant impacts on the resident's peaceful quiet time at night.
• Our historical, culture and natural landscape in Pickens County is a major draw for tourism. Reports have shown that when your picturesque viewspace is impacted by 25%, you will lose 50% of your tourist dollars. As cell tower sprawl moves into Pickens County, our scenic views will be interrupted, our cultural heritage impacted, and our recreation and education areas affected.

We recommend that the Pickens County Commissioner:

• Deny a permit to Southeast Tower for building a 255 ft lattice-type cell tower in Tate.
• Negotiate a revised design to the proposed cell tower to significantly reduce the visual impacts by lowering the tower, changing it to a monopole design, disguising (stealth) the tower, and eliminating the tower light.
• Revise the current Pickens County cell tower ordinance so that the requirements for cell tower permits better reflect the needs of the county and stop cell tower sprawl in Pickens County.

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