After several continuances, a plan to place a cell phone tower at 3111 Benton Street was continued by the Planning Commission again, this time with the hopes that the applicant could review all available options for the tower’s location.
The item has come before the Planning Commission three times prior. At each turn, residents asked why other locations, including Central Park, had not been explored.
During this session, it was revealed that the applicant had reviewed about a half dozen other sites, including Central Park. The applicant said the city’s parks and recreation department never replied to inquiries.
What’s more, when the applicant reached out to the city manager’s office about adding the tower on a PG&E easement nearby, the office “showed no interest.”
Several commissioners were upset at the lack of response from the city. Commissioner Nancy Biagini called it “inexcusable.”
All of the commissioners asked the applicant to have more patience while the planning staff tried to foster a line of communication between the parks department and the applicant.
The applicant agreed. The item was postponed until the Jan. 15, 2025 Planning Commission meeting.
Before the public comment, city staff presented a new design for the telecommunications facility. It featured three light poles in the parking lot of the church at 3111 Benton St.
Each pole is 42.5 feet and painted black. The lighting would be located midway up the pole and extended above it would be a device to help AT&T boost its service signal in the area.
The poles would be easily visible from Benton Street and nearby Santa Clara High School.
While the Planning Commission had asked the applicant to return with an alternate plan such as this, city staff still recommended the original 60-foot-tall monotree initially proposed by the applicant.
City staff said the monotree would be “less visually intrusive” because it would be stationed in an existing grove of trees on another part of the property.
The city received 14 letters, including one signed by 28 residents, all opposing the plan.
Residents cited negative health effects (something that has yet to be scientifically proven), the visibility impact on residents, the negative effect on property values and potential fire risks.
Lee Benton called it “commercialized.”
“Sure looks ugly for our neighborhood,” said Benton. “I sure hate to live next door to that across the street.”
“Let’s get it in the park. That’s where it belongs with the other trees,” said Ken Kratz.
Consent Calendar and Other Planning Commission Business
Commissioner Eric Crutchlow missed the start of the meeting but was present to discuss the cell phone tower.
The Planning Commission continued discussion on an application for a wrought iron fence at a home on Woodhams Road until the Jan. 15, 2025 meeting.
The next Planning Commission meeting is Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
Previous Planning Commission Coverage:
Former Convent to be Converted to Dorm Housing
Approval of General Plan Zoning Changes Hit a Snag
Planning Commission Blocks Data Center Project
St. Mark’s Church Site Will House Single-Family Homes