Possession Point cell tower talks may be revived
June 25, 2011 · 10:52 AM
The Port of South Whidbey may restart discussions with the company interested in putting a cellphone tower on port property near the top of the Dorothy Cleveland Trail.
The port tried to sell the 14-acre property on the ridge above Possession Point earlier this year, but couldn’t reach an agreement over an offer to buy the public parkland and turn it into a private home site.
The property is no longer listed for sale. Port officials are now “dusting off” other options, said Port Commissioner Geoff Tapert.
The options include: selling the property, but under different terms; keeping the status quo, and doing nothing; and finally, looking again at a lease option to allow a cell tower, a move that property owners in the neighborhood and many trail users oppose. Independent Towers Holding, a company, based in Latham, N.Y. that develops wireless communications infrastructure throughout the United States, has expressed interest in the property.
Tapert said it was a ripe time for the port to settle the controversial matter.
“It’s been a year and a half or more. At some point we just need to make a decision,” he said. “Fish or cut bait; what are we going to do? I think it’s dragged on too long.”
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