Questions raised about Oak Park antenna story

Your fact filled Sept. 4 article regarding the Oak Park MAC (Municipal Advisory Council) and the Brown Act failed to answer a couple of questions for me.

First, why would the MAC need to violate the Brown Act to appeal the building of a cellular antenna site? Could it be Oak Park residents are finally tired of having marginal cell service to the point where they would actually be willing to put up with the unsightly poles?

You may recall many residents protested the height of the steeple on the church where the antenna site will be located because it would disrupt their view of the hill behind it.

Also, why is environment-friendly (Ventura County Supervisor) Linda Parks apparently in favor of this project? Could it be she believes church property is fair game for unsightly development but open space is sacred?

I just don’t get it. Perhaps this cell site will be like no other I’ve seen and actually be both attractive and unobtrusive.

Bill Draeger

Oak Park

The MAC took action outside the public forum (its regular meeting) to make the appeal. This is illegal. The MAC only meets, however, once a month, so that’s why the members couldn’t wait.

The device is to be housed in a false chimney to make it more esthetically pleasing.

You’ll have to ask Parks about her opinion. Maybe she thinks the MAC was making a big fuss without good reason.

And, finally, it should be noted that the MAC is not empowered to make decisions. Like a city planning commission, it can only make recommendations. But, like a planning commission, it also must comply with the Brown Act.