VALDOSTA, Ga. – A roomful of citizens gathered at the Greater Lowndes Planning Commission meeting on Monday to voice discontent over two controversial agenda items.

The first was regarding the erection of a new Verizon Wireless cellphone tower off Bellemeade Drive on the grounds of the Valdosta Country Club golf course.

The cell tower would be 159 feet tall and made to resemble a pine tree, but residents who spoke against it cited health risks, which the Verizon representative present denied. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 makes it illegal to refuse towers on the basis of health concerns so property value was also raised as a reason to reject the build.

Also on the table was whether to allow a halfway house for non-violent, first-time offenders to be located in the Forrest Run Circle neighborhood. Again, those present made it clear they would not be supporting such a development.

The meeting was nearly four hours long and was held at the Lowndes County South Health District Administrative Office.

Commissioners heard the negative feedback from the gathered group seriously and took their recommendations, but explained that they were merely an advisory board to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners and to city councils who would make the final decision about both items.

Both items will be on the agenda for the next Valdosat City Council meeting on Thursday, February 6 at 5:30 p.m. where final decisions will be rendered.