Hearing set on cell tower

Most everybody wants good cell phone reception; hardly anybody wants to look at a 150-foot-tall cell phone tower, even if it's disguised as a tree.

That's the constant dilemma in the Sisters Country as wireless service providers seek to expand and enhance their coverage and local residents fight to preserve their viewshed.

That battle will enter its next phase on May 10, as the Deschutes County Hearings Officer holds a public hearing on a proposal to site a 150-foot monopine cell tower for AT&T at 69385 Green Ridge Loop in Panoramic View Estates east of Sisters.

The hearing is set for 6:30 p.m. in the Barnes and Sawyer Rooms of the Deschutes County Services Building at 1300 N.W. Wall St. in Bend.

Neighboring property owner Dave Elpi plans to lead the charge against the proposed tower.

"Our views will be impacted... our land is going to be devalued," he said. "You're going to be able to see this thing for miles the way it's planned. It's huge.

I'll oppose it till I'm lying flat," he said.