In the end, conjecture and opinions about GBC Media's request to install a 499-foot tall communications tower along their property at 1225 Country Club Drive came to nothing.

It was the evidence presented by two real estate brokers regarding decreased property values that brought about a unanimous vote from the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals Monday denying the use variance.

The media group intended to erect a new wireless communication facility 202 feet taller than the existing three towers on the 7.5-acre property. The company was asking for a use variance in the Residential-1 zoned neighborhood.

R-1 districts are the most restrictive of the residential districts and includes the low-density single-family residential areas of the city and those open areas where similar residential development appears likely to occur, according to city ordinances.

In March a number of area residents attended the meeting to remonstrate against the tall tower. They were told the item was tabled until June 23. The community returned in force last night in response to the stepped-up request by GBC Media. The 39 residents waited 2-3/4 hours for the vote while other business was conducted.

Brian Walsh spoke on behalf of the communications company, reintroducing the item for GBC Media. He said the higher tower would serve the FM side of the radio station and the three current towers would remain to broadcast the AM, WRSW, side. Up to 15 cellular telephone, paging and similar broadcasting "dishes" or antennas would be allowed on the new tower, at about a height of 118 feet.

Bert Landis a Country Club Drive resident approached the board with a petition bearing 92 signature against the tower construction. He also gave the board the opinions of two real estate brokers indicating adverse affects to property values.

Landis said the local citizens were vehemently opposed to the tower citing health concerns, aesthetics, views, additional traffic and increased levels of electro-magnetic radio frequencies. He said GBC Media often left the property unkempt, requiring grounds workers to spend several days there cleaning up.

Landis said a 499-foot tower in a R-1 district will not enhance the area.

Residents complained that WRSW broadcasts can already be heard, unasked for, over their televisions and telephones

Others pointed out that the additional tower was purely for commercial gain, to increase revenues and/or make the business more attractive to potential buyers.

One local resident said she accepted the towers, believing the zoning laws would protect her from future construction. She asked about a cautionary sign on the GBC Media property noting the high radio frequency energy area.

"How do we know there won't be fallout from the higher tower?" she asked.

Bill Shaske said the whole thing smacks of commercialism and "our neighborhood is not commercial."

Third district council representative George Clemens stood to say he's received many calls and letters and "no one is in favor of the towers. This is a firestorm of an issue in my community."

City attorney Mike Valentine cautioned the members that evidence must be presented in the case of an appeal. The only evidence of harm to the community was regarding the loss of property values.

Board of Zoning Appeals members are Bruce Woodward, Dan Hampton, Tom Heuer and Alan Clingan. Richard Keeven was absent. [[In-content Ad]]