The proponent behind a contentious plan to erect radio towers in Point Roberts is appealing the Whatcom County hearing examiner's rejection of the application. In a move that was not unexpected, BBC Broadcasting Inc. filed an appeal Wednesday with the county hoping to overturn the hearing examiner's surprise announcement late last month.
Just days before a public hearing on the proposal was scheduled to begin in Bellingham, the examiner announced he was denying the application and cancelling the hearing, citing the towers exceeded height limits in Point Roberts. BBC Broadcasting Inc. applied to erect five 45-metre (150-foot) steel towers at an undeveloped lot on McKenzie Way, just a few hundred metres from the border. The towers would have transmitted South Asian radio station KRPI, AM 1550, which broadcasts from studios in Richmond. The station currently broadcasts using antenna in Ferndale, Wash., but wanted a stronger signal for its Lower Mainland audience.
The Federal Communications Commission granted a construction permit but a zoning permit was still required from Whatcom County.
For over a year, opponents on both sides of the border have been fighting the application on several fronts, arguing KRPI's operation in Ferndale caused considerable public nuisance due to interference with electronic equipment. Whatcom County council will hear the appeal. If that's rejected, the proponent can appeal to the courts.
