On Jan. 15, the Santa Clara Planning Commission finally took action on a proposal to increase cell phone service for AT&T customers along Benton Street near Santa Clara High School. This is the fourth time the issue has gone before the Planning Commission; it was delayed the three previous times.
In 2020, AT&T submitted plans to increase cell service in the area.
In 2023, AT&T presented plans for a monotree nestled among other trees at a church property at 3111 Benton Street. City staff pushed for the monotree because it was less visually intrusive.
Neighbors opposed the plan, citing safety concerns and a decrease in property values. They also worried about the noise of diesel generators for the project.
AT&T returned to the Planning Commission again, this time with backup batteries instead of generators.
Neighbors reiterated safety concerns and the impact on property values. They asked that AT&T consider sites at Central Park.
AT&T returned on Dec. 4, 2024 with an alternative plan that included three signal towers on top of light poles in the church parking lot instead of the monotree.
During discussion, the applicant revealed it had reached out to the city for potential sites at Central Park but never received a reply.
The Planning Commission asked for another delay so the city and AT&T could discuss potential Central Park sites.
This time, AT&T returned again after talking to city staff. Both sides determined that Central Park was not an option, either because the site did not work for AT&T’s purposes or city staff wasn’t interested in the location.
What’s more, according to the city charter, any prolonged lease of public space, such as the one AT&T is proposing, would require an election and a two-thirds majority approval.
Community members implored the city to bring it to an election. They pointed to Cupertino, which held a similar election before it placed a tower in Memorial Park.
City staff said an election would not happen until November since the deadline for March has passed. Elections usually cost the city $120,000 plus, but since there’s no general election on the calendar, Santa Clara would have to pay extra for a special election.
City staff pointed out there is a “shot clock” on this issue. Up until now, AT&T has agreed to clock extensions to work things out. However, federal law requires the city to make a decision, or the project will be automatically approved.
The applicant said “respectfully” that it would not extend the “shot clock” for a special election.
Most community members spoke out against the project. One went so far as to say he would pursue all forms of legal action because of the potential impact on his property value.
There was at least one person in favor of the plan.
“Change does happen. If they’re not willing to have cell phones, not have electricity, then they should move out of the area where that is true,” said one community member.
Commissioner Mario Bouza criticized AT&T for the tower proposal, saying it was “late to the dance.”
“You want us to accommodate AT&T and put it on the back of the residents in the area,” said Bouza.
Ultimately, commissioners voted to approve the CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) exemption for the project in a 5-1 vote, with commissioner Eric Crutchlow voting “no.”
The commission also approved the proposal for three monopoles in the church parking lot in a 4-2 vote, with commissioners Crutchlow and Mario Bouza voting “no.”
The issue is expected to come up at the Feb. 11 City Council meeting.
Plans to Expand Gas Station at 2455 Lawrence Expressway Delayed
Plans to expand a gas station at the corner of Lawrence Expressway and Monroe Street will return to the commission for another hearing.
The station’s owners want to remove two gas pumps and install a car wash and convenience store.
City staff recommended that the commission reject the plan because it reduces the property’s setback from the adjacent property to just seven inches, and the planter depth isn’t big enough.
Without proper depth, plants may not be able to grow tall enough to block the glare of headlights into the apartment complex behind the station. Staff was also concerned about potential noise pollution from the car wash.
The business owner pointed out that a six-foot masonry wall already exists to block light from the gas station to the neighboring apartment complex. He agreed to reduce operating to 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. to help with noise and light issues.
Many commissioners were concerned about the added traffic to an already busy intersection. The applicant said his family-owned business has been there since 1969, and taking out two pumps and replacing them with a car wash will not increase traffic.
The applicant said the volume of gas he sells continues to decline, and a convenience store and car wash will help the business continue.
Commissioner Lance Saleme came to the defense of the gas station owner and asked commissioners to let the business “evolve.”
Community members also spoke fondly of the business owners and said this would give them a convenient place to wash their cars.
Commissioner Nancy Biagini said the people who spoke so “highly of the business” helped sway her.
Commissioner Qian Huang pushed to have the plan approved with conditions because time is money.
City staff said that wasn’t possible, given that the architectural design would have to change.
To give the applicant the best chance of success, the Planning Commission instructed him to meet with city planners and then return to the March 19 meeting with the new designs.
Other Planning Commission Business
Commissioner Yashraj Bhatnagar was absent and excused.
The discussion on a variance for a six-foot wrought iron fence at 572 Woodhams Road was continued to a later meeting.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved the meeting minutes from Nov. 6, 2024, and Dec. 4, 2024. Commissioner Priya Cherukuru recused herself from voting on the Nov. 6 minutes because she did not attend the meeting.
The commission held a study session on the latest state housing legislation. Among the changes are what’s considered a “major transit stop,” the ability to build housing in church parking lots and large malls and adjustments on subdivision and ADU rules.
The commissioners voted to extend funds for tickets to the Joint Venture State of the Valley event on March 7, 2025.
The next Planning Commission meeting is Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. at Santa Clara City Hall.
