Cell Tower Update (May 16th 2007)

Ridan Industries Donates

$25,000 to the GPPCA

By: Jodi Irwin

At the Association’s General Meeting October 17th, 2006, Kevin Barile explained the final fencing and landscaping work needed to complete the installation of the new cell tower. Then to the gasps of the membership, Kevin, on behalf of Ridan Industries, presented the Greater Pinellas Point Civic Association with a check in the amount of $25,000 for the efforts and dedication of the GPPCA in bringing the community together on the new cell tower project.  Now because of neighbors working together with City Officials and Ridan Industries we have a brand new cell tower. No longer are our neighbors walking around Pinellas Point shouting “CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW” into their cell phones. Residents have been complaining about poor, and in some cases, no cell coverage for a long time.  Many residents had to resort to making and receiving their calls in their driveways or backyard.  For those that use their cell phone for business, this was a very costly problem.  Fortunately for all of us, Ridan Industries came to our aide. Plus GPPCA has the ability to help our neighborhood in other ways with the generous monies provided by Ridan Industries. The new cell tower is located on the Northeast corner of the Skyway Shopping Center.

In August of 2005 Kevin Barile, Chief Operating Officer for Ridan Industries attended our association’s General Meeting to propose a new cell tower installation in our area.  He came with many approaches and options for our review.  By October of that same year, Kevin had narrowed down the options to two locations within the property of Skyway Shopping Center.  At the October 18th, 2005 General Meeting a vote was taken approving the preferred tower and location.  The vote was 30 to 11 approving the installation behind JC Auto.  The majority of the members preferred the flag pole type of tower as opposed to the traditional type of cell tower. Ridan Industries took the application along with the Association’s approval to the Environmental Development Commission where it was approved on February 5, 2006.

However, there was an appeal placed by some residents citing concerns about the noise and light from a flagpole design.  Another setback came when the owner of the commercial property wanted to change the location from behind JC Auto to the Northeast corner of the complex.  The change of location did not require approval from the EDC, simply a construction application.

Wanting to make sure all parties were completely satisfied with both the location and the type of tower, Ridan Industries and the Civic Association agreed to discuss the concerns of the individuals that made the appeal.  An amended agreement was made to change the type of tower to a 150ft Monopole with no flag.

At the August 15th, 2006 Association meeting Kevin Barile of Ridan Industries and Julie Weston, Director of Development Services for the City of St Petersburg reached a consensus on the requested modifications.  The Association approved the requested modifications. Julie Weston then announced the City would issue the building permit. Whereupon, the Association membership realizing that the final hurdle had been vaulted and the new tower was now a reality, rose and gave the assemblage a standing ovation.

On September 25th, 2006 the pole was erected. All areas of Pinellas Point will soon have vastly improved cell phone reception. T-Mobile is already installed, Sprint will be installed by November, Verizon by January and hopefully other carriers will follow.  This would not have been possible if not for the joint efforts of neighbors, city government and business.  Pinellas Point residents needed better cell phone reception. Ridan Industries provided all the necessary information and worked hand-in-hand with our Association to make sure all parties were satisfied.

What could have been a long drawn out legal battle while residents waited endlessly for better cellular service, turned into a ”Win, Win” for everyone.