Capitol Hill Chimes in on Missionary Ridge Cell Tower
May 7, 2007

The cries from Missionary Ridge have been heard on Capitol Hill. Senators Alexander and Corker and Congressman Wamp are all asking the FCC to re-consider their decision to allow a cell tower to be build in the historic Bragg Reservation.

"We need to do everything we can to preserve that historic view," said Senator Alexander.

As designed, the proposed 150 foot tall Wireless Properties tower would reduce the number of dropped calls along I-24, but it would tower almost 20 feet into the historic view.

"There has to be some alternative to building a gigantic cell tower right in the middle of one of the most scenic and historical areas in Tennessee," the Senator continued.

Congressman Zach Wamp joined Alexander in sending letters to the FCC and the Park Service on Thursday.

Calling Missionary Ridge a 'special place,' Wamp said the tower is, "...unsightly and poorly placed and I think they could do a better job. I hope they take a second look at it."

Senator Bob Corker added, "Because of the historic importance of the property adjacent to the proposed site, it is crucial that the appropriate procedures were followed."

Dwayne Smith, of the Missionary Ridge Neighborhood Association says there has been an up-side to this controversy. "We have developed a much closer relationship with our friends at the Parks Service so that we can keep each other notified in the event of anything that comes up again," he explained.

Kay Parish of Friends of the Park says this is the way things are supposed to work in the USA. "We're so grateful that our legislators have responded like this," she said. "This is the chance for us to be heard so that this cultural resource is not intruded upon."

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