Saratoga News

Microwave towers violate Measure G

By Cheriel Jensen

The Planning Commission has now approved four microwave cellular phone towers in Saratoga. Each of these towers violates Measure G. All introduce commercial uses into areas not approved for such uses. In fact, there is nothing in our commercial zoning which provides for such towers or allows structures the height of these towers. None of these towers were approved by the voters. Nor do I see any recognition that these approvals require a vote of the people. Indeed, most of the people of this city, including myself, knew nothing of these proposed towers until after the Planning Commission already approved them.

One tower is in the designated and zoned residential area of Sousa Lane, an area clearly subject to Measure G.

One is in the Congress Springs Park, a city park and thus clearly subject to Measure G. Furthermore, the park is publicly owned land--yours and mine--and the approval of a commercial use is a gift of public resources to a commercial outfit. At the least, this "gift" should have been competitively noticed and bid.

One tower is approved on Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road and Cox Avenue in a Planned Unit development with a residential component and with an existing plan that does not provide for towers. Changing the plan by adding a tower requires a vote of the people under Measure G, due to the residential component.

Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road is a designated undergrounding area. The tower is an outright violation of the undergrounding designation that has been in effect since 1981. The city has spent a considerable sum to underground power lines on Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road (and still has a way to go). Now the Planning Commission has violated these plans, as well as Measure G, and undermined the work we have done and the money we have spent to clean up the environment on one of our major arteries.

Lastly, one tower will be located on the theater building at West Valley College. This tower is a commercial use having nothing whatsoever to do with educational uses there. It violates the city height restrictions and is not provided for in the existing city-college agreements. Was there a notice and competitive bid on this tower-or is this also a gift of public resources?

As far as I can tell each of these approvals then requires a vote of the people of the city. When will this be scheduled?

One only has to drive on Interstate 280 toward San Jose to see the damage the forest of microwave towers have done to the view and ambiance of that city. Now the Planning Commission has set us up for the same thing. This is anything but the rural character the General Plan requires and, in my mind, is not just four specific violations, but a gross and overall violation of the city's General Plan.

I understand that there is an appeal pending on one of these towers. I should think that the money should be returned to the appellant. One homeowner should not have to shoulder the burden of the review of these towers. The issue must be put on the ballot as Measure G requires.

I further suggest that this issue receive citywide study before any further applications are entertained, as these towers are a very real threat to the health of our citizens, to our community character and ambiance and to our cherished views. If towers are to be placed somewhere, they should be in specifically designated areas as determined by the citizens together. Guidelines should be established, including height and density restrictions and required tree cover. Towers should not be allowed in areas where most people do not have cellular phones just for the benefit of those who do. They should not be allowed near places where children live. I'm sure that people who enjoy cellular phones had no idea they would be so damaging to specific neighborhoods and our community. Many might rethink their choices after they check out what San Jose now looks like from Interstate 280.

Cheriel Jensen is a Quito Road resident.