Since then, the church has built its tall Sanctuary building for the main services, a 55-foot cross-tower next to the Sanctuary and a single story school for children. But the church's latest proposal for an addition has some neighbors going before the Sunnyvale City Council.

Givens and several other residents will appeal a planning commission decision granting a major-use permit to AT&T to build a "stealth monopole," on the church's grounds. The new tower—nearly identical to the existing one but five feet taller—will actually be a cell phone tower with six transmitters inside. It was originally intended to be 65 feet tall, but the planning commission reduced it to 60.

"The main objection I've got is that it's a residential area, with custom homes and longtime residents, and we don't really want to have a structure that is going to be an eyesore in the area," Givens said. "If it's put in, it's going to be too late for us to do anything about it."

The plan is to build the tower on the west side of the church's property, next to the single-story school and near Given's property. Unlike the other tower—which has the tall Sanctuary building and several trees near it to shield it from view—nothing will conceal the AT&T tower.

"Anytime I'm in my backyard, I'm going to see it. Anytime I drive up my street, I'm going to see it," Givens said.

The fact that the site will now have two towers bothers a number of the neighbors because many of them already have to look at one tower.

"There should be other ideas that wouldn't require you to build a second monolithic tower. Why do they need two on one property?" said Chris Rosenthal who lives down Wright Avenue from the church. "It's like we're going to have a goalpost in the neighborhood."

Rosenthal—like Givens—is concerned because it seems like the city granted the permit without looking at other sites. There were several alternate sites listed in the city's report—including Cupertino Middle School—but none were available, mainly because the city has a policy to not allow for-profit companies to use city land.

"Going into a residential neighborhood is our last choice," said Howard Yee, a contractor representing AT&T. "The school was our first choice when we started looking."

Yee, Givens and Rosenthal agree Cupertino Middle School would have been ideal for all parties because it has more open space and wouldn't block the view of any nearby homes. There are a number of tall stadium poles at the school that could have been modified, and its closer to the freeway and passing vehicles.

Yee said the St. Luke site was actually the best choice overall for the area, because it granted the easiest access to the houses in the area and the cars along the highway. He said AT&T would use the existing church buildings if they were able to hold transmitters, but installation includes trenching, which could not be done with the existing structures.

St. Luke's Pastor Bob McKee said the church held a number of meetings with the community to discuss possible concerns, but there were few expressed.

"I see it as a positive, but you do have to weigh all the factors," McKee said. "I hope everything will benefit the neighborhood."

He said he was excited to enter into the agreement with AT&T, because the contract would give them additional funding for maintenance of the church and donations to community groups and other charities. He said some of the international charities the church gives to would benefit from the funds.

"I think that maybe if a month's income from that could feed 15 people in Africa, than it might be a good trade," McKee said.

Yee said the actual amount of the contract could not be released because of competition with other companies.

Rosenthal—who has done research on similar towers and uses in other cities in preparation for the appeal meeting—said he thinks this is not going to be the last time the topic comes up for discussion, because wireless technology is growing in popularity.

"This is something that is going to be happening everywhere, this is just one of the many towers that are going to come into our neighborhoods," Rosenthal said.

Both he and Givens said they are not against a tower in their area, but they want more exploration to be done to find a place where the needs of the company can be met without impeding on the lives or views of the neighborhood.

"We would like something that isn't an eyesore in our community, that blends in, and looks nice," Rosenthal said. "I don't know how a 60-foot pole could not have an impact on our scenic vistas."

The tower appeal is coming up for public discussion at the Jan. 11 Sunnyvale City Council meeting, at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers, 456 W. Olive Ave. For an agenda or more information, visit www.sunnyvale.ca.gov.