Sandoval County commissioners denied a proposal for a 75-foot Verizon cell tower in Placitas after dozens of residents spoke against it.

SANDOVAL COUNTY, N.M. – Sandoval County commissioners denied a proposal for a 75-foot Verizon cell tower in Placitas after dozens of residents spoke against it.

About 50 people arrived an hour before the Tuesday meeting started, and county staff said every viewing area in the building was full.

Residents asked commissioners to reject plans for the tower in one of the busiest areas of the village. They said they worried about how it would look and whether it would work as promised.

In their research, residents said T-Mobile had stronger signals because of a large number of small cell antennas that can be hidden and are less invasive. They also said Verizon’s claim that the area is a dead zone was not true.

“The entire drive of the signal testing, we only dropped one call. So while it’s not perfect, it’s not perfect in Albuquerque or Rio Rancho or anywhere,” a resident said.

The tower was planned for a popular part of the village where community gatherings and concerts happen throughout the year. Some residents said they worried the tower would affect those events and the landscape.

What did residents say?

Every Placitas resident at the meeting came ready to speak, wearing red ribbons around their arms as a sign of unity. Residents told KOB 4 the support showed what makes Placitas special.

“We have a beautiful community. This is sad. So I hope we win!” a resident said.

Commissioners denied the proposal in the last 30 minutes of the meeting, after residents spent the evening making their case.