The Calabasas City Council unanimously approved the wireless telecommunication facility permit to install a Verizon 55-foot-tall monopine at the Calabasas Country Club, located at 4515 Park Entrada, within the Recreation (REC) zoning district on Wednesday.
The cell tower would fill in the purported current gap that covers an area that includes approximately 2,000 single-family homes, the golf course and Bay Laurel Elementary School, said Michael Klein, city planner.
Technically, the approved location is considered prohibited; however, it can be permitted if an applicant obtains a wireless facility permit from the city council following a public hearing and recommendation from the CTC, which it did last month, Klein explained to the council.
The approved location next to the club house was considered the most feasible as well as the least intrusive, after reviewing six alternate sites, Klein said.
The installation of a 55’-tall monopine with 12 panel antennas and associated equipment, to be located within a walled enclosure, would require the removal of one native tree.
During the night's proceedings, Councilmember James Bozajian proposed an amendment to the resolution stating that "at least one" 36-foot box tree be planted as a replacement.
Many residents spoke out in favor of the cell tower, saying it would increase the safety of the school community and residents, who do not receive cellphone coverage in the area.
"It's a dead zone," said Alicia Weintraub, a Bay Laurel parent, during the public hearing. "We, as parents ... are very concerned that in the event of an emergency, calls wouldn't get in or out."
One resident expressed concern about the potential health hazard that could result from cell tower emissions.
The city's wireless consultant, Jonathan Kramer, stated that the project would "fully comply with FCC’s RF emission safety rules and regulations."
Stephanie Williams, a resident, business-owner and Bay Laurel parent, has been a vocal proponent of the tower installation.
"The Council's decision is fantastic, and I applaud our [them] for doing the right thing Wednesday night," she later told Patch. "The decision paves the way for other carriers to finally provide desperately-needed coverage to this part of town, and will give Verizon customers the means to reach 911 and family in an emergency at Bay Laurel or in our neighborhood."
What do you think of the decision? Are you for or against the new tower? Tell us in the comments.
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