Communication Tower Would Aid Police Work

A new 120-foot communications tower is being proposed for a site near Indian Canyon Golf Course.

The city-owned tower would provide coverage for the police department’s new mobile data system, and give officers quicker access to criminal records and other stored information.

The police department has been planning for the mobile data system for nearly a decade.

Spokane’s hearing examiner is considering an application from the city’s communications division for a special permit to place the tower near the intersection of Westcliff Place and West Drive.

The tower would be erected next to two 30-foot city water tanks on a four-acre wooded tract. Single-family homes and apartment houses are also in the vicinity.

The site was selected because it is far enough away from other commercial communications towers to prevent broadcast interference on the police department’s frequencies, city records said.

A 12-by-16-foot concrete block building would house ground equipment. The tower and building would be surrounded by a fence and landscaping.

A neighborhood meeting was held in June, and several residents showed up to ask questions about the project. One resident wanted assurances the tower would not increase the electromagnetic frequency levels in the area.

City officials said the project will have to comply with federal standards for electromagnetic radiation.

A hearing was held last week before the city hearing examiner on the special permit application for the tower. Hearing examiner Greg Smith is expected to issue a ruling this month on the application.

, DataTimes