Cell phone tower causing complaints in Desert Hot Springs

The cell phone tower, set up in late last year, towers high into the air on a lot along Little Morongo Road, between Two Bunch Palms and Pierson Boulevard.

Desert Hot Springs Resident Ron Reid and his wife Margaret were immediately disappointed.

“For one thing, it’s very unattractive, its an eyesore,” said Ron.

Reid says they live about four miles away from the tower, but frequently travel Little Morongo Road, and each time they drive by, they’re “annoyed”.

His wife Margaret says for years she has defended the city, working to promote a “positive image” for the town.

But, they say at city hall, they are not receiving a “satisfactory response” to their concerns.

“They don’t seem to think it is all that big a deal,” said Reid.

The tower sits on the property right next to the business, Allen Fence Construction.

A man at the business spoke with us briefly, but would not comment, when asked about the tower.

Reid says he and other citizens were under the impression the tower would be “disguised as a tree”, maybe a palm tree, or a pine tree.

The couple wants the tower to look like a tree, or maybe something like the covered cell tower at a shopping center further north on Little Morongo Road at Mission Lakes Boulevard.

“If we let something like this happen now, that will invite more of the same,” said Reid.

The Reids say City Council Member Russel Betts told them the tower is currently the “subject of litigation”.

At City Hall, a city spokesperson says the tower project is “not yet complete”.

“I want it to be a palm tree, pretty simple,” said Reid.

News Channel 3 is waiting for responses to requests for information and statements from Mayor Scott Matas, City Council Member Russell Betts, and city Public Information Officer Doria Wilms.

Monday morning, Mayor Matas provided a written comment to News Channel 3:

“I believe this tower went through the Planning Commission and was approved as is. I also believe our standards are to blend the cell towers into the surrounding areas. Take some time and look at the other towers throughout the city and you will find some really great designs.”