But Cingular Wireless is currently working with the city and the club to install a 62-foot tall cell phone tower on the property, possibly shaped like a Cypress tree.

Because of neighborhood concern--which will be formally addressed at the Sept. 26 planning commission meeting--the phone company and the neighbors met on Sept. 19 to discuss the project.

Cingular Director of Public Relations Lauren Garner said that customers in the area have complained of "spotty" coverage, and their own research has shown a number of disconnected calls in the area. In addition, cell phone use in residential areas--which necessitates towers in the same areas--is increasing.

"People sit at home now and use wireless phones instead of landlines, so you need to have more sites in residential areas to serve those users," Garner said.

Nine-year Sunnyvale resident Dick Pretel said he and his wife only use their cell phone for work-related calls and have no need or desire for a cell phone, or a cell phone tower, in their neighborhood.

"I don't want to look at a pole that stands 22 feet taller than the tallest tree in the area," Pretel said. "It's a visual impact. It can impact the sale of property too. I don't think anyone's going to want to buy a house under that."

In addition, Pretel is concerned because, if a tower has to go up near his house, he wants it to go on city property, so the city can benefit from the fees paid by Cingular.

"What benefit will it have for Sunnyvale?" Pretel asked. "All it's benefiting now is Fairbrae."

Garner said placement and height is decided primarily by need. This tower should cover 15 blocks in every direction. The tower is part of the $350,000 Cingular is spending this year to increase its coverage of Northern California. They are spending one billion dollars throughout California.

"It's a matter of working with our architects and designers and the planning department to come up with the best solution for all parties," Garner said. "It's important to us because we want to be good corporate neighbors."

The Planning Commission will address the issue during their Sept. 26 meeting at 8 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 456 W. Olive Avenue.