Voting last month to deny a cell tower request sought by Verizon Wireless, the Del Norte Planning Commission will now have to defend its decision to the Board of Supervisors in May. The Lake Earl section of coastal northern California is a refuge for many seabirds and other wild creatures. There are few human residents or visitors and communications facilities are sparse, notes the Del Norte Triplicate.
Verizon proposed to extend digital reception to the area via a 136-foot cell tower disguised as a pine tree. The telecom has explained that the tower slated for a privately owned, undeveloped portion of Railroad Avenue would be hidden among existing foliage and would not draw undue attention to itself.
Although Verizon contends that it is in compliance with state and local codes, objectors say that the cell tower will be clearly visible, especially when the natural trees lose their leaves. Nearby neighbors have also expressed concerns about threatened property values and phantom health concerns. They also questioned why this particular site was selected over other options.
In denying the request, the Del Norte Planning Commission has violated the Telecommunications Act of 1996, asserts Verizon. The goal of placing a cell tower at the Railroad Avenue location is to address a significant coverage gap in the region, explained the telecom.
The parties will meet to argue their cases with the Board of Supervisors at its May 14 meeting, according to the Del Norte Triplicate.
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