Lincoln Planning Commission approves FirstNet/AT&T public-safety tower over aviation objections

The City of Lincoln Planning Commission voted 6–1 to approve a conditional use permit and specific development plan for a FirstNet/AT&T public-safety wireless facility proposed at 600 Business Park Drive.

Staff described the project as an 85-foot monopole supporting up to 15 antennas and associated equipment housed within a fenced compound of roughly 2,200 square feet, including a 30-kilowatt diesel generator and battery racks. The project site is in the Lincoln Air Center General Development Plan, about 0.6 miles from Lincoln Regional Airport and about 800 feet from the nearest residence. Staff recommended adoption of an initial-study negative declaration under CEQA and approval of the CUP and specific development plan.

Mike McLaughlin, representing the Western Fire Chiefs Association and working with the applicant, said the facility is intended to add FirstNet coverage for first responders and to fill local coverage gaps that cannot be solved by co-locating on an existing nearby tower. "There is no coverage in this location, and it can't be reached by any other location," McLaughlin said, adding that FirstNet work began with upgrades to existing AT&T infrastructure and now requires new or expanded sites to close remaining gaps.

Commissioner Jerry Johnson, who identified himself as an instrument-rated private pilot, objected to the tower's proximity to the airport and its flight patterns. "There's a reason for a flashing light on top of that pole," he said, arguing the proposed location could create an obstacle for traffic patterns and approaches. Johnson urged caution and raised safety concerns in adverse weather and night conditions.

Other commissioners noted the Federal Aviation Administration reviewed the project and issued a determination of "no hazard to air navigation" on 01/23/2024, and planning staff said the proposal had been routed to relevant local agencies for comment, including airport engineering review. Commissioner Gilbert, citing those reviews, moved to approve the resolution. The roll call vote recorded six affirmative votes and one no (Commissioner Jerry Johnson), and the motion carried 6–1.

The commission's action approves the CUP and specific development plan subject to the findings and conditions in the staff resolution and adopts the recommended negative declaration. Staff indicated documentation of FAA and local agency reviews is on file and will be included in the record. The file includes references to Lincoln Municipal Code provisions for wireless facilities and the project's CEQA analysis.

Next steps: the approvals allow the applicant to proceed to any required building permits and administrative steps identified in the commission conditions; the project will also follow the city's administrative design review process for any future co-locators on the tower.