Tuesday evening members of the Marshall County Board of Zoning Appeals considered the Special Exception request of Andy and Carolyn VanHerk at 10702 State Road 17 to erect a communication tower on their property.
The VanHerks did not attend the meeting but representation for them told the board the plan is to erect a 250 foot tower with up to four antennas. The tower will have a small structure, ground equipment and fence for cellular service and possibly internet services.
During the Public Hearing Dave Miller who lives on the east side of Pretty Lake said the structure will tower over the tress and have a negative impact on his natural scenic vista and his property values. He also presented a listing of fourteen other families who are against the tower.
Bob Keiser who’s lived on Pretty Lake Trail for 75 years said, “The view of sunsets are awesome.” He said back in the day fishing cottages sold for $5,000. One of his neighbors purchased a home at the lake in 1984 for $68,000 and sold it three months ago for $354,000.
While to board understood their concerns they approved the communications tower primarily due to the fact that it will improve cellular communications and could offer internet access to those who are still struggling for good quality service.
