Politics & Government
Pinole City Council Approves Cell Phone Tower: What Do You Think Of The Decision?
Council members reversed last month's rejection of the tower after Verizon Wireless threatened to sue
The Pinole City Council voted 3-2 late Tuesday night to reverse itself and approve a 90-foot cell phone tower in a corner of Pinole Valley Park.
The Contra Costa Times reports the vote came shortly before midnight after several residents criticized Verizon Wireless as bullies.
Last month, the council voted 4-1 to reject a 25-year lease for the tower. The agreement provides the city with more than $26,000 a year in revenue.
However, Verizon threatened to sue, saying it had signed a valid lease with city officials six months ago.
Councilman Phil Green and Mayor Debbie Long voted against the lease at both meetings.
Councilman Roy Swearingen voted in favor of the agreement at both meetings.
On Tuesday evening, Councilmen Tim Banuelos and Peter Murray switched their votes from "no" to "yes."
Patch requested interviews with Long, Banuelos and Murray but had not heard back from them as of Wednesday evening.
What do you think of the decision? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
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