Cell phone towers are a growing issue in neighborhoods across the Triad. People want the services, but dislike the unsightly structures. Tuesday, the Winston Salem City Council considers changes to regulations to help the towers blend better into the community.
The regulations, passed in February, gives the city council the final say on the placement of cell towers in neighborhoods. The principle change they will consider affects situations where trees are near the tower.
One type of tower, called a monopine, is designed to look somewhat like a pine tree. The monopine is only allowed in stands of existing trees – the change requires that the natural trees be left in place as long as the tower is on site. Another type of tower is not required to be placed in a wooded area, but the new regulation would mean that any trees near the tower stay in place.