Cell tower proposal postponed

Michael Allen, one of the three neighbors named in the appeal, was for listening to alternative proposals but ultimately would rather the cell tower not be placed on a former school site.

Allen has collected over 200 letters opposing the cell phone tower and is still receiving calls. His main gripes are with a federal law barring potential health impacts from being part of the decision-making process and the lack of public notification of such a project.

South San Francisco did send notifications, but Allen argued it was too late in the process.

Councilman Rich Garbarino said the continuance should give neighbors the opportunity to add the input they felt should have been considered earlier.

The proposal, as approved by the Planning Commission in October, consists of nine antennas, a 4-foot microwave dish antenna and a 1,470-square-foot landscaped wall enclosure of the 240-square-foot equipment shelter.

Neighbors appealed the decision shortly after noting the proximity to a residential neighborhood, potential noise from an emergency generator and the proposed height — more than double surrounding trees.

A Verizon representative who spoke at the meeting expressed an understanding of the community concerns. She added the project includes planting seven mature trees to help cover the antenna and a wall to reduce any potential noise.

Vice Mayor Kevin Mullin worried about the continuance, noting moving it within the Foxridge site could result in a tower in the middle of a playground. He added both city staff and Verizon worked hard to create a plan to hide the tower and hoped a compromise could be reached.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.