Heritage Presbyterian Church has rejected a proposal from Milestone Communications to erect a tree monopole cell tower on its property in the Waynewood/Fort Hunt neighborhood. Heritage’s Session, its governing body which is comprised of 12 elders, met on May 23 to finalize its deliberations and vote on the issue. The proposal was voted down by a 10-2 margin.

Heritage was approached by Milestone Communications several months ago regarding the possible use of church land for the site of a tree monopole cell tower for the Waynewood community and portions of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Heritage’s Session had postponed moving forward on signing an agreement with Milestone until it could hear the thoughts and concerns of the community, primarily the Waynewood Citizens Association, Waynewood Elementary School families, as well as those neighbors closest to the church property. Over the past month, the WCA conducted a survey of its members; the Waynewood Elementary School PTA informed families how to provide input, and a petition was also circulated by concerned neighbors.

While the overall response to the tree monopole was in favor of its construction, there were many who were opposed to it for various reasons. Heritage’s Session took each comment into consideration and through research, debate and prayer, ultimately rejected the proposal.