Council narrowly approves long-term cell tower permit
The Lakeway City Council has approved the construction of a new cellular tower on Highlands Boulevard, voting 4–3 in favor of a special use permit during its October 20 meeting. The permit allows for operation of the tower at 251 Highlands Blvd. for up to 40 years, according to city documents.
The project, proposed by Vincent Huebinger of Vincent Gerard Associates, will include a 175-foot-tall tower with a total elevation of 880 feet above sea level. The new site is located near the Mount Lakeway trailhead, about 0.3 miles northwest of a previously proposed site near Serene Hills Elementary School that was withdrawn in 2024.
Community concerns and differing council views
While the tower aims to strengthen cell service across the Lakeway area, several residents voiced opposition, citing concerns over property values and scenic views. David Bryant, a resident of The Overlook, presented a petition from neighbors opposing the location.
Mayor Pro Tem Louis Mastrangelo supported the project, saying the lack of reliable cell coverage affects both residents and first responders. “It’s a problem that we need to fix,” he said. “Nobody wants it in their backyard, but it’s got to go somewhere.”
Council member Kelly Brynteson, who voted against the proposal, said she would have preferred to explore alternative locations to better balance service needs and neighborhood impact.
Infrastructure needs highlighted in city plan
The city’s 2020 Comprehensive Plan identifies cellular infrastructure as a key area for improvement. It notes that Lakeway continues to experience service gaps due to older 4G-era equipment and limited tower capacity. The plan recommends investment in modern infrastructure, including towers, fiber networks, and electrical systems, to meet growing data demands.
With the council’s approval, the new Highlands Boulevard tower is expected to play a central role in strengthening cellular coverage and improving service reliability across western Lakeway.
