MISHAWAKA — Members of the Mishawaka Common Council voted 6-3 Monday night to allow a cell phone tower on Humane Society property on Grape Road.

Three neighbors spoke against the tower at the public hearing held in September and 147 people signed a petition opposing it.

The 125-foot tower replaces a 121-foot communication tower and allows the Humane Society to earn money by renting space to AT&T.

Mike Compton, D-5th, said he voted against the tower even though he probably would not have minded it in his neighborhood.

The area is in his district and he said he felt he should vote with his constituents.

Also voting against it were Marsha McClure, R-4th, and Dale “Woody” Emmons, D-1st.

David Wood, R-2nd, said he originally planned to vote against it. But learning that it is only four feet taller than an existing tower was “a game-changer for me.”

He said he went home after the public hearing, looked out his windows and counted 17 towers of various kinds from a water tower to electric poles.

Also voting for the tower were Ron Banicki, D-6th; Gregg Hixenbaugh, D-at large; Ross Deal, D-3rd; John Gleissner, D-at large; and John Roggeman, D-at large.

Staff writer Sue Lowe:
slowe@sbtinfo.com
(574) 235-6557