On Dec. 8, the San Jose Planning Commission approved a steeple addition to the church, located at 1325 Dry Creek Road. The planning commission also approved 12 wireless antennas to be housed in the steeple.

Church pastor Mike Thorburn said Nextel Communications made an offer that the church couldn't refuse. Nextel will cover all the building's costs to construct the steeple so the communications company can house the antennas in the 15-foot high steeple addition.

Formerly the Willow Glen Neighborhood Church, Thorburn came to Willow Glen two years ago to transform the church into Bayside Community Church. The former occupants, he said, had vied for a steeple to give the church more presence.

Thorburn said he was assured by Nextel representatives that the antenna will pose no health risks or interfere with television or radio signals.

A construction schedule has not been set yet, but Thorburn said construction will not interfere with the church's services and various community events.

The move comes only three months after the planning commission approved Metro PCS' plans to install three wireless antennas inside Willow Vale Community Church's steeple, which is located at Curtner and Meridian avenues.

Planner Ed Schreiner said installing antennas in steeples is becoming more common because steeples camouflage the antennas. Some steeples in San Jose are home to as many as three different wireless providers' antennas.

Schreiner said he received no public comments on the project to prevent the project from moving forward.

For Thorburn, it's a win-win situation for everyone. He and the congregation are thrilled about the new steeple.