125-foot cell tower proposed in Onalaska

Center States Tower, Verizon Wireless want tower off Monroe St., behind Center 90

ONALASKA, Wis. (WKBT) — Center States Tower and Verizon Wireless want to build a 125-foot telecommunication (cell) tower in Onalaska.

The proposed location is off Monroe Street, behind Center 90 and behind the U.S. Post Office.

The City of Onalaska said the tower is proposed as a multi-tenant tower, meaning multiple telecommunication companies would be allowed to place antennas there.

“They’re looking just to provide additional service area with 4G,” said Onalaska Land Use Development Director Brea Grace. “More people are using 4G. I guess there’s a need for that additional coverage right in this downtown Onalaska area.”

In order for the tower to be put up, a variance has to be requested, meaning the tower will need to exceed current limitations within city ordinances.

The Planning Commission will meet on Tuesday, March 18 at 7 p.m. in the third floor conference room at the La Crosse City Hall to decide whether to allow the variance. A public hearing will also be held at that time.

The City of Onalaska’s review schedule for the Conditional Use Permit is as follows:

Tuesday, March 17 at 4:30 p.m. – Plan Commission Sub-Committee
Tuesday, March 24 at 7 p.m. – Plan Commission. Public hearing will be held.
Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. – Common Council

Additional information about the proposed cell tower, including a map of the proposed location, site and construction plans can be found here.

For additional information or to view a paper copy of the application for the cell tower, call the City of Onalaska’s Planning/Zoning Department.