- February 5, 2025
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City Council got a round of applause from a room full of residents after deciding to do everything it can to keep the Taylor Road cell tower from going up.
Deputy City Attorney Matthew Jones said the tower is a permitted on the property, which is owned by Port Orange United Church of Christ, and City Council has nothing to vote on.
However, Councilman Bob Ford insisted City Council bring on attorneys and any experts they may need to evaluate the issue before moving forward.
“I don’t see how this location in any way meets our land development codes,” said Councilman Bob Ford. “The rules are in place to protect the neighborhood, property values, health, safety and quality of life, and this violates all of it.”
Ford said too many “big bodies” have rolled over the local community, and he wanted to send a message — in this case, to AT&T — that they will fight back.
Ford’s comment came after Smokerise Boulevard resident Eugene Healy presented information he and his neighbors collected over the last several months, laying out why the cell tower does not meet the requirements of the Land Development Code and how it will negatively impact the neighborhoods.
Healy said the tower, which will be more than 125 feet tall, will be nestled in between homes, near two schools and a daycare, raising public safety concerns if the tower were to fall and how radiation and noise pollution can affect those living near it.
He also said the tower will harm the visual aesthetics of the neighborhood and greatly reduce property values.
Other residents expressed concern over the tower’s compliance with Federal Aviation Administration codes with its proximity to Spruce Creek Airport.
A blinking light 24/7 would greatly diminish their quality of life, residents said.
Overall, Healy said AT&T has not presented evidence of a real need for a cell tower in the area, and he suggested the company utilize one of 25 towers in the area.
AT&T’s representative said the company did not make this decision overnight. When the company is looking for property to build a cell tower, it need to go through AT&T engineers, find a willing landlord, meet city codes and address a need. This lot fit the bill.
Councilman Chase Tramont asked what the most pressing need is in the area, and the representative said AT&T is at capacity in this area, which can affect public safety calls, among other issues.
City Manager Jake Johansson said the city will have to research both sides of the argument before moving forward and especially before they bring on experts and legal fees.
“No site plan has been given, and until we get a site plan, we don’t know what they are violating,” he said.
