The Watchdog | It’s almost time to spruce up that new ‘monopine’

The problem

Being a florist, Kansas City resident Dan Needham knows what looks good. And what’s ugly.

Which brings him to the “monopine” cell tower erected by AT&T east of State Line Road at 79th Street. It’s a fake tree designed to obscure the tower.

“The tree itself doesn’t look too bad and I feel would go largely unnoticed if not for the silver color of the equipment at the top of the tree standing out like a sore thumb. Did no one think of painting the equipment the same color as the pine boughs so it wouldn’t be so obvious? Or do they just not care? As is, it looks ridiculous.”

Needham wondered who at the city would approve such a thing.

The answer

Before chastising some city bureaucrat, the Watchdog decided to bother Chris Lester, the local spokesman for AT&T. He said better camouflage has always been part of the plan for the tower, which The Star photographed as it went up earlier this month.

“I am happy to report that — weather permitting — the antennas on the new ‘monopine’ … are scheduled to be painted green on Friday.”

The Watchdog says he’s happy to know of a new structure in town that needs marking. He’ll be there soon, also weather permitting. Sorry, Chris.