The Sunnyvale Sun

News

Towers on land OK, with permits

By JASON GOLDMAN-HALL

Almost two years ago, the idea of placing commercial installations such as cellular phone towers on city-owned property was suggested by a number of residents opposed to a tower that was going to be built at St. Luke's Lutheran Church.

At the time, some residents called for an explicit city ordinance regarding such installations. They wanted to set a precedent for future projects and preempt random administrative policies.

At the Oct. 11 Sunnyvale City Council meeting, the council and city staff clarified the city's position, which is that commercial uses--such as cell phone towers and vending machines--are allowed on city property with the proper permits and approval from the planning commission. Applications can be appealed to the city council if denied by theplanning commission.

While it can be met with community opposition, commercial use of city land annually accounts for almost $500,000 in annual revenue for the city, from vending machine sales, usage fees and rent paid for installations. Cell towers account for approximately $72,000 of that income.

Resident Mei-Ling Shek-Stefan, who has appeared before the council a number of times to oppose cell phone towers, said that she'd rather see a formal position for or against the installation of towers in parks, because decisions made on a case-by-case basis can result in neighborhoods being negatively affected by towers in their area.

In addition, staff said a number of residents spoke out during city outreach meetings against the use of city land for outside profit, saying recreational land should be reserved for recreation. There was also concern that cell phone towers, a relatively new sight in many cities, could have long-term health effects from the constant low levels of radiation they emit.

Those towers can, and often are, appealed to the city council, because residents have said in the past that towers, whether hidden or standing free, are a blight in their neighborhood.

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 specifically prohibits cities from regulating the placement, construction or modification of towers unless they do not comply with federal, state and local health and safety standards.

"This is probably the best alternative we have now, and we just need to make sure to take the community's input," said Councilman John Howe.