A 129-foot cell tower designed to resemble a pine tree may soon be constructed near Grass Valley. This tower, unlike its natural counterparts which take decades to grow, is part of a high-tech proposal that could enhance connectivity in the area. However, the installation is not set to proceed without a legal battle as Verizon’s Sacramento Valley subsidiary has filed a federal lawsuit against Nevada County.
The lawsuit, initiated on July 10, accuses local officials of inappropriately hindering Verizon’s efforts to build the tower. According to the company, the proposed tower would address a significant coverage gap in the region, particularly important during emergencies when reliable service is crucial. The selected site sits on a 14-acre parcel along Dog Bar Road, and Verizon contends that the structure will be discretely camouflaged with artificial leaves and branches to minimize visual impact.
Despite county planning officials recommending approval, the project has met resistance from some residents concerned about the tower’s effect on scenic views and potential health risks associated with radio frequency emissions. Verizon rejects these claims, asserting that the tower will not be visible from the complaining residences and that its emissions would comply with federal safety regulations. Nevada County Counsel Kit Elliott outlined that community concerns were acknowledged during public hearings, though she emphasized that they did not drive the board’s decision to reject the tower’s application.
Instead, the decision was influenced by other considerations, including the impact on the area’s rural character and property value concerns. The dispute is now set to proceed in court, with a scheduling conference planned for November. In a broader context, discussions about such projects highlight the balance between infrastructure development and community concerns, a vital dialogue in today’s technological landscape.