Planning Commission to Consider Cellular Antenna at Hidden Valley Park

The Planning Commission tonight will consider a request from cellular service provider T Mobile to add three cellular antennae to the top of an existing 130-foot electrical tower at Hidden Valley Park.

The request comes after a similar request was abandoned by the company late last year for a tower at the Methodist Church on Church Street. Neighbors there complained about the proposed visual and health effects posed by the cellular antenna.

The latest request is different, in that it adds panel antennae to an existing structure, so the visual effect is minimal.

Earlier this year, the company sent an invitation for neighbors to meet and discuss any concerns over the proposal. However, the meeting invitation was for the wrong day, and the meeting was never rescheduled.

Tonight's meeting is a study session -- no decision will be made. If the commission decides to move forward with the proposal, a hearing will be scheduled for a later meeting.

The commission meets at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 525 Henrietta St.