The lack of AT&T cell phone service in the Paso Nogal neighborhood has prompted the company to request a new cell antenna on a hillside there. The request was approved by the Planning Commission last year, but the neighborhood has appealed that decision, and after several delays, the City Council is scheduled to hear the item tonight (Monday, July 16).
The proposed cell tower is slightly over 35 feet high, and would be constructed next to a Contra Costa Water District water tower. The council first considered the appeal of the proposed tower last September, and after that meeting a third party was brought in to examine the proposal and see if alternate sites might be better suited, with less effect to neighborhoods.
That third party, Johnathan Kramer of Kramer, Inc., determined that the proposed site and tower design would be the least intrusive. Other proposed sites include Hidden Valley Park in Martinez, the Paso Nogal Dog Park, and a parcel of undeveloped property near the New Falcon Pointe development.
Most of the residents who live near the proposed cell tower oppose it due to health and aesthetic concerns.
The council will consider the item at its meting tonight, which begins at 7:30 in the City Hall Council Chambers, 100 Gregory Lane.
