LAKEPORT >> An appeal challenging the installation of a Verizon Wireless cell tower swayed the Lakeport City Council Tuesday.
Nancy Ruzicka, who owns property adjacent to the proposed site, filed the appeal. Citing the visual impact of the tower — as well as its height and the high density of the proposed site — Ruzicka offered 10 alternative sites throughout the city.
Upon voting in favor of the challenge, the council directed city staff to write a response to Verizon Wireless to determine how to proceed.
Originally approved by the Lakeport Planning Commission on May 13, the 72-foot tower would be installed at 1875 N. High St. However, several members of the public voiced opposition during public comment or emailed the council stating their opinions.
Lakeport resident Bob Savinar stated his concerns via email, which included potentially decreasing property value of surrounding parcels, a reduction in rent income and the possibility of causing cancer.
“I am not a scientist,” Savinar stated. “However until proven to the contrary by scientific means this must be stopped on behalf of people residing in near by residences.”
Ruzicka prepared for the presentation with options for the cell tower. She did not play a zero sum game.
In response, however, Paul B. Albritton of the San Francisco-based law firm Mackenzie & Albritton, LLP, argued that the appeal “ has no merit and should be denied.”
“Verizon Wireless has worked diligently to identify a location and design that will serve the Lakeport area with the least impacts to the community,” Albritton continued. “The preferred alternative involves placing nine antennas on a 72-foot stealth tree-pole designed to resemble a pine tree.”
Cellular coverage on some carriers can be spotty throughout the county, even in communities like Lakeport. In seeking affirmation for the location from the city, Verizon’s representative also cited legal and safety issues. Albritton asserted that denial of the project would be a violation of the federal telecommunications act, as the project “fully complies with all requirements for approval under the Lakeport Municipal Code” and “will not create any environmental or land use impacts of any kind that could justify denial.”
Furthermore, “if a provider demonstrates both the existence of a significant gap in service, and that the proposed facility meets the ‘least intrusive means’ standard, the local government is required to approve the facility,” according to Albritton.
Opposition came from all directions, though. Even the plan to disguise the tower as something more natural drew fire.
“Please look at the surrounding area as a piece of artistic landscape that has been growing naturally with time, and a tower of such size would not be fitting to the area,” Brian Figg of Lakeport stated to the council. “My family property has native animal nesting and birthing young, such as deer, mallard ducks, raccoons and dozens of bird species.”
Figg grew up near the property and his parents continue to live there, he explained.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
