NO Cell Tower in the Eureka Springs Historic District

PLEASE! No cell towers in the EUREKA SPRINGS Historic District!

We, the following citizens, residents, and community advocates of the City of Eureka Springs, and all relevant neighboring communities, at large do hereby:

OPPOSE the placement of a 180 cell tower to be located on Judah Street in Eureka Springs, Arkansas for the following reasons:

1. A visually disruptive cell tower does not belong in the Eureka Springs Historic District. Regarding cell tower installations, the Eureka Springs Historic District guidelines state: Installation may be permitted if the Commission determines that the placement does not have an adverse effect on the character-defining features of the existing structure, street, or the District as a whole.

The introduction of this structure into the landscape would forever alter the character of the community. The primary revenue source for the city of Eureka Springs is tourism, and our tourism industry is dependent on the citys ability to provide an extraordinary escape for its many tourist visitors. Eureka Springs is a vacation destination well-known for its historical healing springs, well-preserved Victorian architecture, and natural Ozark woodland surroundings. The proposed cell tower to be sited at the South entrance to the Eureka Springs Historic District would threaten this unique travel experience, thereby jeopardizing the welfare of local business owners and residents.

2. Tourists entering the Historic District from the main Planer Hill entrance will be greeted by a large cell tower atop the hill, instead of the charming Victorian architecture and natural beauty long advertised by the city. It will be the first structure they see entering town, and the last as they leave.

3. The zoning for the proposed site was changed from Residential to Commercial zoning as part of a request to build less visually obtrusive storage facilities. As soon as the zoning was approved, the proposed storage facility plan was replaced with this cell tower plan. We consider this to be a bait-and-switch tactic performed to skirt existing zoning regulations that prohibit cell tower construction in a Historic District Residential Zone.

4. The landowner (Bullock) and Smith Communications will benefit financially from this cell tower, but the large majority of residents and visitors WILL NOT. In fact, it is more likely that it will lower nearby residential property values, inducing residents to seek lower tax assessments as a result of this tower.

5. Smith Communications has NOT provided evidence that this is the least intrusive site possible and that a proposed cell tower within the Eureka Springs Historic District is absolutely necessary.

6. A tower 180 in height is directly out of scale with, and in great contrast to, the natural aesthetics of the surrounding area. The scenic view from nearby cultural, environmental and historic properties would be irrevocably altered by the introduction of a visual element that is unquestionably incompatible with the existing natural landscape.

7. Constructing a cell tower within the Eureka Springs Historic District would allow a historically inappropriate structure to be erected, setting a precedent for additional cell tower installations, destroying the existing character and marketability of the city, and discouraging further positive historic preservation in the area.

8. It is the will of the public that this structure NOT be built near the entrance to the Eureka Springs Historic District. The community has voiced this opinion at numerous public meetings, and the Planning Commission and City Council of Eureka Springs acted on behalf of concerned citizens in denying the CUP requested by Smith Communications. It is our belief that Smith Communications is now attempting to strong-arm the residents of Eureka Springs into accepting a historically inappropriate structure in the Eureka Springs Historic District against our will, and to the detriment of our unique tourism offerings.

In Conclusion:

The potential adverse effects on the community by the proposed cell tower must be strongly considered.

Less intrusive locations outside the Historic District and farther from Residential Zones must be thoroughly investigated. A more appropriate site would be one that can house a 180 cell tower and all accompanying equipment compounds and facilities, without having an adverse effect upon adjacent property, the character of the neighborhood and Historic District, its natural surroundings, and other factors affecting the public health, safety, and welfare. In assessing alternate locations, the legitimate need for a cell tower within the Historic District of Eureka Springs must be validated by independent communications experts and by resident Eureka Springs consumer survey.

PLEASE uphold the decision made by the local Eureka Springs Planning Commission and City Council to deny the construction of a 180 cell tower at the entrance to the Historic District of Eureka Springs.


Thank you for your time and consideration.