"Tower Wars" Amateur radio operator clashes with code enforcement (Marietta: HOA, attorney)

[cittic10]

The Marietta Daily Journal - Amateur radio operator clashes with code enforcement

As it turns out, you can't do whatever you want with your property whether you live in an HOA or not. It's a shame that it sounds like this guy is going to ruin it for all the ham radio operators that play by the rules there in Cobb county.

[MRFLASHPORT]

Originally Posted by cittic10

The Marietta Daily Journal - Amateur radio operator clashes with code enforcement

As it turns out, you can't do whatever you want with your property whether you live in an HOA or not.

Sadly, Mr. Nesbitt is wrong. The county will eat him for lunch, as he failed to get the required land use permits on his existing towers in addition to the prohibited one. His "attorney" is a ham of less than two years who made a statement that could really hurt his client.

Speaking as a Cobb county ham and founder of a non profit amateur radio public service organization, hams should always strive to be not just good neighbors but more importantly, within the law. While the FCC does allow us to construct reasonable antenna structures, it does not give carte blanche right to toot our noses at local laws or private agreements that one may enter into such as an HOA.

I hope Mr. Nesbitt will come to his senses and see the error of his ways on this issue and realize that taking the incorrect stance can not only put him at odds with his neighbors, but cost the amateur radio community much credibility with the county government that many before him have worked hard to build up. Hams are supposed to be outstanding members of our community and stand ready to support our local governments and communities in which we live, not be scofflaws and arrogant towards our neighbors and government officials.

And his attorney REALLY needs to remain silent...what was the part about "anything you say or do can and will be used against you?"

Mr. Nesbitt should be asking the county "what can I do to be in compliance." and apologize for running afoul of the law, not being that arrogant one who comes into court with an attitude, the system will eat him for lunch.

[cittic10]

Originally Posted by MRFLASHPORT

Mr. Nesbitt should be asking the county "what can I do to be in compliance." and apologize for running afoul of the law, not being that arrogant one who comes into court with an attitude, the system will eat him for lunch.

I agree with you but I read in the comments of that article that...

Originally Posted by Pool Of Baojie

The Cobb Quality of Life unit will be sorry because the 3rd, 140 ft tower is necessary to ward off the space aliens. Not the friendly kind either, the probing kind.

Not to mention the tower will keep us safe from Al Qaida.

.

How do you feel about that?

I think I'd rather have the tower than "the probing kind" or have al qaeda show up in my lovely city.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by cittic10

As it turns out, you can't do whatever you want with your property whether you live in an HOA or not.

If the guy knew about the limitations when he moved in that's one thing. But if this is some new rule they're trying to stick on him after the fact I'd say he has a pretty good case.

[FlyingFox]

Originally Posted by arjay57

If the guy knew about the limitations when he moved in that's one thing. But if this is some new rule they're trying to stick on him after the fact I'd say he has a pretty good case.

My guess is that he'll keep them all except the 140 ft tower.