Editor,
I am dumbfounded by the actions of San Mateo city attorney and Public Works who continue to approve noncompliant cell facilities. I cannot comprehend the failure to “protect public health, safety and welfare” when we need their protection most.
Many thanks to the city for adopting a new wireless ordinance requiring 300-foot setbacks from all homes, schools and day cares, restricting cell facilities in residential neighborhoods. But for some, it came too late. Two days before the new ordinance was approved, Crown Castle submitted a last-minute application, its fourth iteration since 2023, for an installation in our front yard that is noncompliant with city rules and reflects Crown Castle’s lack of good faith.
Despite numerous meetings with industry experts, attorneys, and No Cell Outs, and availability of these individuals to help objectively evaluate new applications, the city inexplicably approved the application. It failed to protect and promote, “without limitation, the aesthetic character, [of] its neighborhoods and community.” Instead, it shirked its responsibility, and we must defend ourselves.
Why didn’t Public Works reject the faulty application and require Crown Castle to reapply under the new ordinance? Are Public Works and the city attorney in partnership with, sympathetic to or afraid of Crown Castle? Are they bargaining with our neighborhoods, allowing cell installations in some if withdrawn from others? Regardless, approval of our application reflects bias favoring Crown Castle.
In approving these noncompliant cell installations, the city is choosing to ignore “public interest, health, safety and welfare.” Please remember, you work for the residents, not the industry.
Alicia Woodfall-Jones
San Mateo
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(1) comment
Ms. Woodfall-Jones --Important and well said. Thank you from thousands of us.
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