Critics Decry 'Cell Towers' in Historic French Quarter

Nov. 10, 2007
Jonathan Betz
Source: www.wwltv.com

There's a new attraction in the French Quarter getting some unwelcome attention: cell phone antennas – tall, black poles that have left locals and tourists alike scratching their heads.

In the city’s most historic neighborhood, where every detail is scrutinized, the new addition of the cell towers have raised a lot of eyebrows.

“You're not going to find anything like this in Connecticut,” said tourist Jennifer Blanding.

The cell towers are designed to boost signal service, especially during busy events. City workers have already installed 14 of them throughout the French Quarter within the last month. The towers horrify activists, like Carol Greve.

“My impression was, oh my God, this is too big and it’s ugly,” said Carol Greve, a spokesperson with French Quarter Citizens.

Greve said they’re out of place with the historic settings, but admits all the rules were followed in getting them approved.

“All the hearings were heard, the architectural committee review, everything done way should have been done, there was no slight of hand on this at all,” Greve said. “I just don't think people were quite prepared for what they actually looked like when they were put in place.”

Still, she and others want the towers removed.

Reaction with tourists was mixed.

“I think it should be moved,” said Reggie Blake, a tourist from New York. “It’s in the way.”

“It’s not particularly unattractive, I don't have a problem with that,” said Texas resident Bob Salem.

Lily Singer said they’re not taking up that much space and providing a much need service.

“I did not notice them and honestly, if it gives you better cell phone service, it’s like two feet of space right there, it’s not a big deal,” she said.

It is for preservationists, who worry these have become a towering distraction.

The city has no plans to remove the 13-foot towers, but said crews were still doing touch-up work and plan to eventually put street signs on some of the poles.

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