Fox affiliate KPBI-CA in Fort Smith, Ark. still hasn't received permission for a 100-foot STL tower. As reported in RF Report for Dec. 21, 2004, nearby residents opposed the tower, which was proposed for a commercially zoned property adjacent to the residential neighborhood. The Times Record reported that a move by the residents to prevent KPBI-CA from erecting the tower was tabled and will be considered at the Fort Smith City directors Feb. 15 meeting. The Times Record article "City Tables Decision in Tower Flap" by Rusty Garrett said Terrill Weiss, KPBI general manager, complained about the "allegations and innuendos" spread in opposition to the station's tower plans, saying residents "should be ashamed" of their tactics.
The station is looking into the possibility of using a fiber-optic link rather than microwave to deliver the signal to the transmitter, but said that would be expensive and the microwave would still be required for backup. Marty Houston, station manager, said it is possible the tower height could be reduced to 75 feet. An attorney representing the residents said Southwestern Bell had quoted a rate of $900 per month for the circuit.
One of the city directors felt adding the tower wouldn't be obtrusive, as there are already two similar structures.
In the end, the city directors decided to table the decision, awaiting more information on the feasibility of using fiber optic cable and KPBI returning with information on what height of tower was required. The issue will be revisited at the city directors' Feb. 15 meeting.
