Columbus Mayor and County Supervisor Clash Over Proposed 5G Tower Amid Community Backlash

Columbus Mayor Calls Out Supervisor Over 5G Tower Controversy

In the heart of Columbus, a brewing controversy is shaking up local politics as Mayor Keith Gaskin takes aim at Lowndes County Board of Supervisors President Trip Hairston. During a press conference held at City Hall, Gaskin criticized Hairston for allegedly stirring up unnecessary tension between city and county officials that could hurt their citizens.

5G Tower on the Table

The topic of discussion? A proposed 5G cellular tower that AT&T wants to build on county-owned property at Moore Creek. This is not just a simple approval process; it’s become a point of contention between the city and county. Gaskin brought up statements Hairston supposedly made at a Rotary Club meeting, where he indicated that the city council would likely deny the project simply because the county supported it.

“We’ve got to stop that kind of talk,” Gaskin asserted. “It’s statements like these that fuel the fire of city-county bickering. The people of Lowndes County and Columbus deserve better.”

Hairston’s Take

In response, Hairston told reporters that he doesn’t recall saying such comments. If he did, he insists it was meant as a lighthearted joke and was not aimed at the city council. “I certainly don’t believe the city council would vote against the tower just because the county wants it,” he explained.

The saga didn’t start yesterday. AT&T first approached the county proposing to construct the tower near the Roger Short Soccer Complex. The county supervisors later approved a lease deal with AT&T for $1,600 per month, but there was an understanding that AT&T still needed the city’s green light.

A Deadlock in Decision-Making

Fast forward to December when the planning commission denied AT&T’s request to build the tower. Now, it’s set for the city council meeting, where final decisions will be made. Hairston hinted at the meeting, expressing his belief that the council might follow the planning commission’s recommendation.

“This tower has become a real political lightning rod because of how the public is reacting,” Hairston noted. The county feels that the benefits of improved cellular service outweigh any downsides the tower might bring, especially since there are over 20 towers already dotting the landscape of the city.

Community Concerns

However, the public’s response has been largely negative. Many citizens are worried about the tower being an “unsightly” addition to the area, with some even raising health concerns regarding 5G radiation. Gaskin is caught in the middle, recognizing the need for better cellular connectivity but questioning whether AT&T thoroughly explored other locations for the tower.

Planning commission chair Kevin Stafford even suggested that AT&T could consider installing an emitter on a nearby water tower instead. “There are options,” Gaskin stated, emphasizing the importance of collaborating and communicating better before such contentious issues escalate.

A Lighthearted Dinner Proposal

In a closing twist, Gaskin jokingly proposed lunch for Hairston, acknowledging, “Trip, if you didn’t say it, I owe you lunch.” This light moment may be the first step towards reducing tension between city and county officials.

The upcoming council meeting is sure to shine a spotlight on the 5G tower controversy, and local residents are eagerly watching. Will the council approve the tower, or will the public’s concerns resonate enough to drive another stake into the heart of a divided local government? Only time will tell!