provider
to build
own tower
By LES HIGH
Weblink Wireless has opted not to seek antenna space on the city’s south water tower and instead will build its own tower.
Weblink Wireless owner and Whiteville City Councilman Tim Blackmon said Weblink will erect a 150-foot tower behind the Weblink offices at White’s Crossing Plaza in South Whiteville.
Blackmon withdrew Weblink’s rental request before Tuesday night’s council meeting. He had hoped to strike a deal for $600 a month from the city – a rate Blackmon said he was offered by the county to rent space on water district water towers. But Blackmon said he believes he’ll save money in the long run by building his own tower. Blackmon hopes to rent space on the new tower to cellular companies and perhaps others, he said after the meeting.
Rezoning will not be needed for the tower.
Blackmon projects the site will be operational in 60 to 90 days. The range of service should be between eight and 12 miles, engineers say. Blackmon also plans to put antennae on the Water District I water tank near South Columbus High School and on another water tank near Williamson’s Crossroads within 120 days. Another tower owned by Weblink will be built near Nakina off Manley Smith Road.
In addition to wireless Internet service, Weblink will offer wireless phone service.
Junk complaints
Jackie Steinberg, president of the Whiteville Downtown Development Commission, voiced three concerns to council in the public comment portion of the agenda. Steinberg said the concerns were raised in the WDDC meeting Tuesday morning.
Steinberg said WDDC board members reported a number of street lights out around the city, that many areas are littered with junk, such as discarded furniture and appliances, and that there is no signage for the new recreation center.
City Manager Susan Rhodes said the city reports non-functioning streetlights every two weeks to Progress Energy by e-mail. City police officers are asked to report non-functioning streetlights to City Hall, and, residents can report them by calling City Hall.
On the junk issue, Rhodes said the city may consider a one-time streetside pick-up of household items such as mattresses or old sofas this spring. It is a violation for residents to put household items beside the street, but enforcement is rare.
Household items or anything put beside the street that won’t fit in a roll-out cart are not covered in the city contract with Waste Management. Residents may take these items to the county’s recycling center on U.S. 701 North for free disposal.
The city offers leaf and limb pick-up, but residents often add non-organic items to the piles. Waste Management will not touch mixed piles.
Rhodes said a sign for the recreation center would be constructed soon.
In other business Tuesday night, council accepted the resignation of Wallace Dickens from the Whiteville Housing Authority. Dickens is no longer able to serve. Mayor Dial Gray will appoint a replacement with input from council members and the public.
Council is also looking to set an April date for its annual planning retreat. Budget workshops will begin in May.