AT&T sues Walla Walla over cell phone tower denial
By Terry Murry on Thursday, December 14th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – AT&T is suing the city of Walla Walla in federal court claiming the city violated the Telecommunications Act by denying a conditional-use permit for a cell tower on property owned by Blue Mountain Community Church at 928 Sturm Avenue.
In the lawsuit, which was filed Dec. 1 in Richland, Washington, AT&T claims the city’s denial prevents the wireless company from providing necessary wireless services. It further contends that the city should have provided an alternate site if the area it proposed didn’t meet requirements.
In September, after hearing from AT&T’s representative, city employees, and residents, the hearing examiner denied the project’s conditional-use permit for construction, operation and maintenance of a wireless telecommunications facility consisting of a 65-foot faux pine tree and accessory equipment. The city served notice of final decision on the application in November.
City Attorney Tim Donaldson will be representing the city and said the city’s response will be filed by Tuesday, Dec. 26.
