Conroe City Council rejects plan for residential cell tower

Proposed 160-foot monopine tower denied due to zoning concerns

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Conroe City Council voted against granting a variance that would have allowed a 160-foot-tall monopine cell tower to be built in a residential area. Several residents spoke out against the tower's placement near the Rivershire subdivision, and council members expressed concerns about violating the city's ordinance prohibiting cell towers in residential zones, despite acknowledging the need for improved cell coverage in the area.

Why it matters

The decision highlights the ongoing tensions between the need for reliable cell service and the desire to maintain residential character and zoning regulations in growing communities. As more people rely on mobile phones, especially for emergency calls, there is pressure to expand cell tower infrastructure, but local officials must balance these demands with community concerns.

The details

Arkansas-based Harmoni Towers requested a variance to build the 160-foot monopine tower at the intersection of Sgt. Ed Holcomb Boulevard and Gladstell Street. City ordinance prohibits cell towers in residential areas, but Conroe does have several similar monopine towers elsewhere. Representatives for Harmoni Towers argued the tower was needed to improve coverage and public safety, with 90% of 911 calls now coming from mobile phones. However, council members expressed concerns about violating the residential zoning rules, and asked the company to explore alternative locations outside of the neighborhood.

  • The Conroe City Council discussed the variance request during a meeting on February 13, 2026.

The players

Harmoni Towers

An Arkansas-based company that requested a variance to build a 160-foot monopine cell tower in a Conroe residential area.

Conroe City Council

The local governing body that voted against granting the variance to allow the cell tower in a residential zone, despite acknowledging the need for improved cell coverage in the area.

Vincent Huebinger

A representative from Vicent Gerard & Associates Inc. who spoke on behalf of Harmoni Towers, arguing the tower was needed to address coverage gaps and improve public safety.

Shana Arthur

A Conroe City Council member who expressed concerns about violating the city's ordinance prohibiting cell towers in residential areas.

Marsha Porter

A Conroe City Council member who said she would not support a variance, but asked city staff to work with the tower company on finding a better location outside the residential neighborhood.

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What they’re saying

“This is about public safety. Ninety percent of 911 calls are generated from mobile phones now, everybody is unplugged.”

— Vincent Huebinger, Representative, Vicent Gerard & Associates Inc. (Houston Chronicle)

“We do need the cell phone (coverage), but my issue is breaking the ordinance; it's there for a reason.”

— Shana Arthur, Conroe City Council member (Houston Chronicle)

“Let's get with the provider and see if we can make it work. We do need cell service in Grand Central Park if their cell service is not adequate.”

— Marsha Porter, Conroe City Council member (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The Conroe City Council did not take any further action on the variance request, effectively halting the plan for the 160-foot monopine cell tower in the residential area.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in balancing the need for improved cell coverage and public safety with preserving the character and zoning of residential neighborhoods. As mobile phone usage continues to grow, local officials must find ways to strategically site cell infrastructure while addressing community concerns.