An 84 foot tall cell tower, disguised as a giant pine tree, sparks controversy in Bozeman, Montana.
As the number of cellular telephone towers doubles across the country, providers are trying to get creative fitting them into existing communities. In Montana and in many scenic areas, blocking mountain views is particularly controversial, while at the same time those mountains limit cell phone reception. The Bozeman Chronicle provides some background on ways cell towers have been disguised, coverage vs. capacity issues, and how the city and county zoning treats towers:
"Under federal law, cities can't ban cell towers.
Further, cities must have provisions to allow towers in residential neighborhoods, on historic landmarks and on environmental sites - anywhere someone might need to make a call in an emergency."
Thanks to JC Shepard
FULL STORY: Power of the cell tower
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