Gage County planners recommend cell tower permit approval, near DeWitt

BEATRICE – The Gage County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a permit for a new communications tower, near Tri County Schools. The permit, in an Ag-one zone, is being sought by Horvath Communications on behalf of Verizon Wireless…and now goes before the Gage County Board.

Jerrod Foutes, representing Horvath Communications says the 250-foot tower would be located three-tenths of a mile east of Nebraska Highway 103, more than 500 feet south of West Elm Road. "It's basically between DeWitt and Plymouth. There is significant indoor coverage deficiencies as well as some outdoor coverage deficiencies and this would definitely help that out....especially with the school that is down in that area, as well."

The self-supported three-leg tower would be located on leased property, with access from an already existing driveway.

The tower would have adequate space for other wireless carriers…and it could provide space in the future for public agency equipment, for emergency response.
Gage County Zoning Administrator Lisa Wiegand says it would be the second Horvath tower in the region. Public agencies are using a tower near Odell just west of the community along Nebraska Highway 8.

Adjoining property owners to the east of the proposed leased site expressed some concerns to the county planning commission over aesthetics and road conditions along West Elm. Commission member Derrick Damrow, who lives in that area…says it is a deficit area for cell phone coverage.