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Look up.
See that water tower?
Used to be clean. Simple. Iconic.
Now it’s covered in metal junk.
Antennas. Dishes. Wires.
Looks like a robot exploded on top.
Why?
Because it’s tall.
And cell companies are cheap.
They rent the space instead of building real towers.
Why do municipalities allow it?
Money.
They get paid to lease the space.
Easy revenue, no extra work.
Free cash for looking the other way.
Smart? Maybe.
But it’s ugly.
Water towers should be symbols of pride.
Now they’re tech trash piles.
They ruin skylines.
Kill small-town charm.
And no one asked us first.
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Some towns try to hide the mess.
Like Grandville, Michigan.
They disguised a cell tower as a giant pine tree.
Spoiler: it fooled no one.
It’s not a tree.
It’s cosplay for antennas.
A bad costume party on a pole.
It’s the worst kind of lie—both hideous and obvious.
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Don’t fake it.
Don’t dress up a monstrosity and call it clever.
Just build something honest. Thoughtful. Respectful.
Or better yet—keep it off the water tower entirely.
It’s visual pollution.
Design laziness.
Civic neglect with a paycheck.
We can do better.
Protect the view.
Preserve the skyline.
Say no to Franken-towers.
And definitely no to fake trees.
Eric McKee is a lifetime resident of West Michigan. Married with two energetic boys, he spends his days balancing work with dad life. Also, a firm believer that Almond St. Claus Windmill Cookies are the ultimate snack (and maybe a little too good).
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