News Brief - Commission hears cell tower proposal

The Planning Commission held a public hearing at its April 10 meeting regarding a proposed cell tower. The petition was submitted by Amit Patel of Aspen Associates Telecom, an agent for Omnipoint Communications, which is a subsidiary of T-Mobile.

Patel petitioned to construct a wireless telecommunication facility at Marguerite M. O’Neill Park, 24771 San Doval Lane in Mission Viejo. Plans include the installation of a 55-foot-high slim line pole with antennas mounted to the interior. The facility would also include a 554-square-foot equipment enclosure. The property is zoned for recreation use and owned by the City of Mission Viejo.

Residents who objected to the project said they weren’t against wireless technology, but they asked for responsible use. They suggested safer alternatives, including other ways to implement the technology and at greater distances from homes, schools and children’s play areas. The proposed cell tower would be near a new tot lot going into the park.

As an additional issue, some residents believe Cingular is flooding communities with antennas to offer better reception to its customers. One resident claimed Cingular has an excess of antennas following its merger with AT&T, resulting in their contracting with Black Dot Wireless to renegotiate antenna site rents at lower rates. If the lessor doesn’t agree to a lower rate, Cingular could choose to end the lease agreement if the area is already covered by another antenna.

Federal law (FCC) precludes cities from denying cell towers based on health concerns about radio-frequency energy emissions. A city can, however, require that a significant gap in coverage exist before approving cell antennas.

The Planning Commission on April 10 deferred the vote on this application until May 8 due to unanswered questions and to allow the residents more time to research and present their opposition. The vote was 3-2 with Morton making the motion to defer and Lonsinger and Schweinberg voting in favor. Krout and Sandzimier opposed the motion to defer.