Verizon is proposing to lease the small plot behind Ideal Cleaners in order to construct a 180' cell tower downtown.  It would be a single tower with no guide/supporting wires.  The rep from Verizon stated it was in an effort to provide better cell service to their customers in the downtown area when they are "inside a building".  Verizon is unsure of the timeline of the project, but if approved, it would go on their construction list for either 2020 or 2021 most likely.

During his presentation to the city council, Jim LaPann (the Verizon rep) insisted that there are only a few reasons that the tower's construction can be denied.  Of those reasons, he seems to discount health risks, construction/infrastructure damage or problems, as well as the aesthetics of a structure such as this.  An actual rendering or sample image of a structure like this in a similar downtown setting was never presented.  All that was shown to the council was a picture taken from near the court house showing the tower just barely rising over the top of the O'Neil, I'm sure that was done deliberately.  There is no doubt that a structure that is 60' taller than the Kinston Hotel building will be by far the tallest structure in Kinston and visible from any direction driving into downtown.  I don't know that I've ever seen a tower in a similar area built at ground level before.  Usually, they are built on top of the tallest buildings or water towers or other large structures.  The council asked if they had considered other locations or building it on top of Water Tank 1 which is not far from central downtown at all, but it seemed they had not explored those options.  The plans also call for a diesel generator...I asked if this could create a noise problem for nearby businesses/residences and this was not addressed in Mr. LaPann's presentation. 

I believe this is simply the cheapest option for them, and they have not, and sounds like they will not take Kinston's aesthetics into consideration.  I feel that a tower such as this will certainly disrupt the harmony that so many of us in Kinston are working towards.  All efforts lately have been to increase foot traffic, improvement/construction of residential spaces downtown, promote the arts, public/functional art, and aesthetics.  We are in the middle of a huge public/private investment in our downtown and in my opinion, the construction of this tower is a step in the wrong direction and will be a permanent regret if passed by the council.  Please show your support of Kinston's vision by signing this petition!  If you have questions, please contact Brandon Potter at brandon@bpotterphoto.com.