The city Variance Board on Wednesday voted 7-1 to approve a 150-foot cell tower at the Ridge Cut at historic Missionary Ridge, despite vocal opposition from neighbors and several groups.

However, the project by Wireless Properties still must clear one more hurdle. The state Historical Commission earlier said it had no objection. Officials said that was based on a report from Paul Archambault of the Southeast Tennessee Development District.

Mr. Archambault recently issued a new opinion citing problems with the site and saying he did not have full information earlier.

A final ruling is expected on Friday from Joe Garrison of the state Historical Commission. Wireless Properties officials said they were told that for now the earlier ruling still stands.

The tower is to be constructed at 5897 E. Main St. Officials said it was originally to be 180 feet, but the size was lowered to 150.

Missionary Ridge residents said it still will be an eyesore looking down from the Park Service's Bragg's Reservation.

Mark Bates, vice president of Wireless Properties, said a study showed that the new tower is needed and that existing water tanks or an existing tower used by pager services would not work.

He said the tower will be painted brown to try to blend in. He said it will not have a flashing light.

Mr. Bates said there are already several "intrusions" at that spot, including two water tanks, the existing tower and a TVA transmission line.

He stated, "We tried to put it in the midst of what's already there."

He said several cell phone firms plan to use the tower.

Dwayne Smith of the Missionary Ridge Neighborhood Association said putting a cell tower there "is like putting one beside the National Cemetery."

He said the firm would have trouble complying with landscaping requirements at the base of the tower because it would go "in one of Chattanooga's largest kudzu patches."

John Hildebrandt of the Friends of Chickamauga Park said it is critical to maintain the "viewshed" at the Ridge, saying, "People come from all over the world to study the Civil War and what happened at Missionary Ridge."

David Cooper, a Ridge resident, said many people get their first view of Chattanooga as they drive over the Ridge Cut.

As for the existing tower, he said, "We'd like to get rid of it too. It's horrible."

Hazel Murphy, longtime Ridge resident, said Missionary Ridge is the second biggest Chattanooga draw after the Chattanooga Choo Choo.

"This horrendous tower will detract from the view," she said.

Board member Debra Stinnett, who made the motion to approve, noted that the tower will not be built if the state historical agency nixes it.