GULF SHORES, Ala. — The Gulf Shores City Council debated Monday night about the proposed erection of a wireless communications tower.

To improve wireless service for its customers, Cellular South is hoping to build a 95 foot tower at 3757 Gulf Shores Parkway, located just off of Highway 59.

The tower will also allow service from two other carriers.

The cell phone company has been trying for months to establish a location for the tower, which was proposed to be placed on city property at the Public Works building and at the end of West 36th Avenue.

Neither spot was viable and now the company is trying again at the Del Mar Plaza just north of the Intracoastal Waterway.

But the council has expressed concerns of the tower’s aesthetics.

While the proposal explains there will be screening surrounding the base of the tower, Councilman Jason Dyken was more concerned with its skyscraper position.

“The eyesore is having a 100 foot tower in the major introduction to Gulf Shores across from a $100 million project (The Pinnacle at Craft Farms),” Dyken said. “I am concerned with it being in such a close proximity to introducing people to Gulf Shores that does add some negative visual impact.”

Dyken questioned the thoughts of business owners surrounding the area proposed for the tower.

He said he’s worried it will drop the value of properties because of the negative view the tower could cause.

All landowners within 750 feet will be notified of the plan before it is placed on the council agenda.

The tower meets all requirements set forth by the city, according to interim planning director Andy Bauer.

It has a 150 mph wind rating and would not hit any surrounding buildings if it fell.

Bauer also said the tower will cause no obstruction to Jack Edwards Airport, however, Cellular South has agreed to light the tower for additional safety.

A future public hearing will be held before the council makes its decision.