Residents of South Haven, a subdivision straddling Irving, Dallas, and Coppell, are expressing outrage over Oncor’s decision to locate a 200-foot communications tower in their backyards.
The residents gathered in Pavan Bikki’s backyard to visually measure the area, noting that the proposed tower would stand approximately 300 feet from their neighborhood park, significantly closer than the existing water tower, which is situated about 1,200 feet away.
Oncor officials assert that the tower is crucial for expanding their substation, aiming to enhance services to support the region’s growth.
However, the residents are confused and frustrated by the circumstances surrounding the decision, especially given their unique geographical situation involving three municipalities.
Local resident Prasad Choppa highlighted the challenges faced by the community due to being surrounded by Dallas and Coppell, while being politically part of Irving.
Choppa has long advocated for essential infrastructure improvements, including a dedicated deceleration lane on East Belt Line Road, to address the dangers posed by speeding vehicles.
At a recent meeting, the Dallas City Plan Commission unanimously approved the tower’s construction, despite pleas from residents concerned about safety, property values, and health impacts.
Venkata Suri and others raised alarms about the potential risk posed by such a tall structure to nearby children’s spaces, specifically during severe weather events.
The Commission was informed that a 1996 telecommunications law restricts local governments’ power to challenge the construction of communication towers, leaving them with limited options.
Brent Rubin, a Dallas Plan and Zoning Commissioner, confirmed that they had no other choice but to approve the tower due to the legal constraints imposed by the federal law.
The proposed ordinance, up for a vote by the City Council, seeks to rise the permitted tower height to 200 feet while eliminating certain regulations designed to protect residential areas.
Oncor claims that the selected site offers the necessary buffer zone of 200 feet, which the utility company deems crucial for safety.
The Federal Aviation Authority has already approved Oncor’s request to construct the tower, given the location’s proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
Despite the substation’s long-term presence in the area, residents argue that its presence has become increasingly problematic over the years.
Nathan Vishwa, another concerned resident, articulated the community’s desire for essential infrastructure updates, clarifying that their opposition was not against technology or modernization itself.
The community united in opposition after learning about the zoning notifications regarding the tower, which prompted a flood of responses against the plan.
According to city records, out of 94 notifications sent to households within a 500-foot radius, 58 voiced opposition to the tower’s construction.
Due to the city code, a supermajority vote is required for the council to approve any case when more than 20% of landowners in the notification area oppose the zoning case.
However, city officials noted that this provision does not extend to residents outside city jurisdiction, leaving many South Haven homeowners feeling powerless.
Tom Forsyth, the only commissioner to vote against the plan, voiced his disapproval of the bureaucratic constraints faced by residents, contending that proximity to city limits should not negate their opinions.
Former Dallas Mayor Laura Miller also criticized the situation as a clear case of zoning malpractice, recalling her experiences navigating similar zoning disputes during her tenure in office.
Neighbors implored the city to consider relocating the tower, especially to protect the nearby children’s park, yet their calls seemed to fall on deaf ears.
In exploring alternative actions, Miller and Forsyth researched the regulations governing tower placement, uncovering options for municipalities to impose distance stipulations that could afford better safety to residents.
Cities such as Denton and Grand Prairie currently enforce regulations that dictate towers must be placed at a distance of at least three times their height from homes, while others like Johnson City and Pattison require a 1,000-foot separation.
The residents of Irving have begun advocating for similar requirements to be imposed on Oncor’s tower plans, demanding that it be built farther away from homes while also requesting a tree buffer of at least five live oak trees to visually and physically shield their neighborhood from the tower.
Council member Zarin Gracey expressed willingness to support their cause and is considering amendments to the zoning request that would incorporate setback strategies to address residents’ concerns.
The upcoming City Council vote will be crucial to determine whether the residents’ voices will be heard amid complex legalities and municipal regulations.
Until then, the South Haven community remains vigilant and determined to advocate for their safety and well-being as seemingly unyielding bureaucracy continues to influence their living environment.
image source from：dallasnews
