Lufkin City Council to consider new ‘monopine’ cellphone tower

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - In an effort to boost cell phone service and fill cellular coverage gaps for residents in Lufkin, the city council is considering a proposal for a “monopine” cell tower. A monopine is made to look like a pine tree.

City of Lufkin public information officer Jessica Pebsworth said AT&T is seeking approval for a special use permit to build a new cell tower in the southern region of the city.

“It allows a business to use a portion of land that is particles and designated for something else. In this case residential,” explained Pebsworth.

The proposed 150-foot cell tower would be located off Ricks Road. If approved, it would take up a portion of private property and be surrounded by fencing.

According to the city manager Kevin McGee, five property owners approved the structure and two were in opposition.

Attorney Curt Fenley representing AT&T explained to the council a new cell tower is necessary due to the lack of coverage in the area.

“We have overgrown what’s out there, and because of the amount of traffic, cell phone service is not adequate any longer,” said Fenley.

Fenley also believes it will greatly impact emergency services.

“By having that, we won’t have dropped and be able to have better geo-locations in the case of any type of emergency,” said Fenley.

AT&T released a statement about the new cell phone tower.

“Cities can benefit from a tall cell tower compared to a small cell because it provides greater wireless coverage. A monopole structure allows cellular providers to deploy more bandwidth and capacity to more areas.”

The council will discuss approval on the second reading of the monopine tower ordinance on April 30.

Copyright 2024 KTRE. All rights reserved.