Decision on Kilburn cell towers delayed as discussions continue





RACE TO THE TOP—Officials are debating whether to allow higher cellphone antennas at the water tank near Kilburn Court in Oak Park. Service providers are competing for the best signal.

RACE TO THE TOP—Officials are debating whether to allow higher cellphone antennas at the water tank near Kilburn Court in Oak Park. Service providers are competing for the best signal.

A plan to mount taller cellular towers on a water tank in Oak Park has been delayed as the Municipal Advisory Council discusses ways to lessen the impact of the antennas on neighboring residents.

Verizon wants to increase the height of the towers on the tank at the end of Kilburn Court near Lindero Canyon Road.

The Triunfo Sanitation District owns the tanks and leases space at the site to four cellphone companies. The most recent tower was installed by T-Mobile in 2009 and is 50 feet high.

“We have a lot of antennas on there, so this is a big issue in the community,” MAC member Mike Paule said.

Unlike other carriers, which installed single poles with several antennas pointing in different directions, Verizon has three smaller 40-foot monopoles with a single antenna that points in one direction. Verizon wants to replace the structures with larger 60-foot polls that will each contain two antennas.

“The increased height is to fill coverage gaps and meet a growing number of customers,” said Kristin Galardo, representative for Core Development, the Verizon contractor.

But as the competing carriers routinely dig trenches in the street and cause other disruptions to construct the new facilities, neighbors become angry.

“Whenever a new cell tower is installed it seems the other cellphone providers race to install larger and more powerful towers,” said MAC member Mike McReynolds.

Several council members suggested the cell carriers should coordinate their projects to limit disruptions and road work in the area. But Galardo said the cooperation is unlikely to occur since competing companies have varying needs, timelines and budgets.

Councilmember Derek Ross said homeowners are “really concerned about their property values and the eye sore that antennas pose.”

“If it’s specifically a capacity issue, I would have a hard time supporting the project,” Ross said.

“What guarantee do we have that 60 feet is enough?,” asked Jamie King, who lives on Killburn Court and obtained about 40 signatures for a petition against the proposed towers.

King cited concerns about the visual blight of the antennas and their impact on property values.

“I see this as a never ending battle. I’d like to know how we see this ever coming to an end,” King said.

But Capt Brent Kerr, who heads the East County area for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, urged officials and residents to also consider the value of good cell service.

“Many people have gotten rid of their landlines so it’s important to have good coverage so calls aren’t dropped in an emergency,” Kerr said.

The Ventura County Planning Department is scheduled to hold a hearing on the Verizon proposal. Only residents who live within 300 feet of a proposed tower site must be notified of the hearing. The MAC wants the notification radius expanded.

“We just want the residents to know what is being proposed and why. This is not an anti-antennas or cell phone venture,” Paule said.

“We recognize there is a need for a variety of reasons to have good cell signal. We all want to work with Verizon and other carriers, but also be sensitive to neighbors’ concerns.,” he said.

MAC members will consider additional information on the proposed towers and make a recommendation at their Jan. 25 meeting at the Oak Park Library.


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