ATHOL - Verizon Wireless has withdrawn its proposal to build a 150-foot cell phone tower near Athol.

The company's application for conditional use permits and variances to build a cell tower on North Lone Moose Trail Road had heavy opposition. About 70 neighbors and nearby residents objected to the plans.

A hearing examiner had recommended county commissioners deny the application.

"Everybody's happy. I think it's good news," said Richard Coons, a property owner in neighboring Bing Haven Estates. Coons and other neighbors expressed concern that the tower would be an eyesore and affect property values.

Though Verizon Wireless pulled its application for the Athol tower, county commissioners on June 5 will consider approving plans for two other towers in the county.

One is located at 11385 W. Prairie Ave. in Post Falls and another at the northeast corner of Highway 41 and Grayeagle Road near Twin Lakes.