A new SpaceX telecommunications facility is inching closer to reality in Mesa County after a pivotal decision from the county’s planning commission. This step brings the high-profile project one step nearer to approval, despite concerns raised by local residents.
The Proposal: SpaceX’s Vision for De Beque
During a recent Mesa County Planning Commission meeting, the proposed construction of a SpaceX telecommunications facility was discussed in detail. The request was made for a conditional use permit to establish a communications hub in De Beque. The facility would include a 16-foot-wide by 66-foot-long gravel access area, which would lead to a larger 155-foot by 95-foot fenced compound. This area would house 40 ground-based antennas designed to bolster SpaceX’s telecommunications infrastructure.
The project would significantly impact the rural De Beque area, especially with the installation of large antennas and the construction of access roads. Despite the potential benefits of enhanced communications, several residents voiced concerns about the proposed facility’s effects on their community.
Local Concerns: Home Values, Noise, and Health
Many De Beque residents have expressed unease about the impact the new facility could have on their properties and quality of life. Whitney Faulstich, a concerned local resident, shared her apprehension about how the facility could potentially lower property values in the area.
“We are unsure about it potentially decreasing our home values,” Faulstich explained. “There is supposed to be noise associated with it, vibrations, and just the curb appeal. It’s just going to change the atmosphere of where I live.”
In addition to concerns about the aesthetic and financial impact, residents also raised questions about potential health risks. Faulstich and other locals are worried about the long-term effects of exposure to radio frequencies emitted by the antennas, with little concrete research available to ease their concerns.
“You know, there’s not a lot of research on either side, so we just want to know if there are long-term effects from being so close to these antennas,” Faulstich added.
SpaceX’s Position: Addressing the Concerns
Representing SpaceX at the meeting, Ken Lyons of the Wireless Policy Group addressed these concerns directly. He assured the commission and local residents that the project would meet all of Mesa County’s regulations, including noise limits.
“We meet all of the noise requirements,” Lyons confirmed. “Tests have been conducted to ensure the sound will remain within the legal limits.”
Lyons also explained why SpaceX selected De Beque as the site for this facility, emphasizing its proximity to fiber infrastructure. According to Lyons, this location’s existing connectivity made it an ideal choice for the company’s telecommunications needs.
The Planning Commission’s Decision
The planning commission’s role was to review the application against Mesa County’s Land Development Code. They did not weigh in on the project’s merits but focused on whether the proposed facility met all zoning and development requirements.
The commission voted in favor of the project, though they included an amendment that the facility be relocated to the southern corner of De Beque. The original location was 1995 45 ½ Road, but the amendment suggested moving it to an alternative spot within the community.
This recommendation now moves the project forward to the Mesa County Board of Commissioners, who are scheduled to discuss the proposal further at their meeting on February 25 at 9:00 a.m.
What’s Next for SpaceX in De Beque?
For now, the ball is in the court of the Mesa County Board of Commissioners, who will make the final decision on the approval of this telecommunications facility. If approved, the project could bring significant changes to the area, with improved communications infrastructure for SpaceX and the surrounding region.
As the process unfolds, De Beque residents and county officials alike will continue to monitor the project’s development. With concerns raised and modifications made to the original proposal, it’s clear that this is a project that’s being carefully scrutinized.
