Pima County supervisors have rejected a permit to build a 100-foot cell phone tower on the corner of West Massingale and North Sandario roads.

The 4-1 vote came after a recommendation by the planning and zoning commission to reject the permit and a public hearing that saw several community members express opposition.

Supervisor Steve Christy was the lone dissenting vote.

The application detailed plans for a tower designed to enhance wireless coverage in the surrounding area. The applicant, Vertical Bridge, L.L.C., stressed the necessity of the tower to address existing coverage gaps and improve network reliability for residents and businesses.

The proposed site on West Massingale Road was selected based on technical requirements and its strategic location to optimize service, according to the proposal.

The request sparked debate within the community, with more than a dozen residents writing letters or voicing concerns at the meeting about the potential impact on the area's natural beauty.

Opponents of the project argued that the tower would disrupt the scenic landscape of West Massingale Road, which is known for its open desert vistas and natural aesthetic. They worried that the towering structure would be an eyesore, standing in stark contrast to the surrounding environment.

Several residents stressed the importance of preserving the area's rural character and expressed frustration that industrial infrastructure was being placed in a residential and environmentally sensitive location.

“I moved here 25 years ago because I love the views of the park and the wildlife in the area,” resident Peter Nath said during the hearing. “Now they want to build an eight-story tall tower that will ruin the view of the national park forever. This project will affect every homeowner.”

Another resident, Cheryl Volpone, voiced concerns about what the tower construction could mean for her future.

“I plan to retire in this home and I could not bear to live with this in my constant view. I do have a disability and I have approval to work from home,” she said. “While working, I'll be looking out the window at this monstrosity. It will block my scenic view of the Saguaro National Park and Panther Peak.”

While some acknowledged the need for improved connectivity, they questioned whether the proposed site was the best choice. Suggestions were made to explore alternative locations that would be less intrusive to the visual harmony of the community.

A representative from Vertical Bridge. assured supervisors and residents that the proposed tower would comply with all Federal Communications Commission regulations regarding electromagnetic emissions.

They also argued that the tower would be designed with minimal lighting and painted to blend in with the sky, reducing its visual impact.

But these assurances did little to assuage concerns about the tower’s footprint on the landscape.

While an environmental assessment concluded that the construction and operation of the tower would have minimal impact on local wildlife and ecosystems, critics pointed out that preserving the area's aesthetics should have been given greater consideration.

During their discussion, supervisors weighed the technical benefits of improved wireless infrastructure against the concerns of residents regarding environmental and aesthetic preservation.

“A lot has been mentioned about what the role of the board of supervisors is in cases like this and I think it is our responsibility to speak for … all Pima County residents,” said Supervisor Adelita Grijalva. “We’ve heard from an overwhelming number of people that are opposed to this cell tower. I’ve looked at the pictures. I do agree it will significantly change the landscape for the residents there. That is a huge impact.“

She pointed to a pair of letters written by local high school students who said they don’t need more cell service and would rather preserve the landscape.

Supervisor Jen Allen, who represents District 3 where the tower would be built, said while she’s an advocate of expanding internet access to improve education, business and economic opportunities, the quality of life that rural residents enjoy is “one of the things that makes our home so incredibly special and important.”

“The profound response from the community speaks volumes about how beautiful this region is and the concerns about the visual impact of a cell tower in an area that is so well loved and in such great proximity to important land in our county and our community,” said Allen, adding that she would be rejecting the proposal in support of her constituents.

While supervisors discussed the possibility of mitigating visual impact through alternative design choices or relocation, they ultimately rejected the proposal.

“I've not heard any convincing evidence that there would be gaps that threaten public health and safety,” said Supervisor Rex Scott. “What I have heard is testimony from the people who are going to be in sight of this tower that would have an impact on the quality of life that they enjoy.”

Samantha Callicutt is a Tucson Spotlight reporter and graduate student at the University of Arizona. Contact her at Scallicutt@arizona.edu.

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