PI Telecom Infrastructure and Freewire have applied for a conditional use permit to build a 175-foot monopole, three panel antennas, seven microwave antennas and to erect ground equipment on a 40-by-40 foot cement pad. Residents surrounding Prune Hill in Camas aren’t happy about it.
The CUP’s current plans are for the tower to be at 2829 N.W. 18th Ave., and the applicants have leased a portion of the land, which houses a single-family residence as well, according to the Camas-Washougal Post-Record. This tower would join another 80-foot tower that is located just across the street.
More than a dozen people spoke out against the new tower earlier this month, according to the Post-Record, citing aesthetics, visual impacts of the view of Mount Hood, health issues due to possible radio frequency exposure and possible effects on migratory bird patterns. Hearing Examiner Joe Turner, who will make the final ruling, said that he can’t legally by city or federal law consider health impacts or property values when making his decision.
Meridee Pabst, a land-use attorney with Busch Law Firm, was at the hearing representing the applicants, and said that applicants “oppose the conditions that would require the completion of half-width frontage road improvements and dedication of a 37-foot right-of-way.” She also said there is not a “reasonable link between the trip impacts of this particular proposal and the proposed mitigation.” Additionally, Pabst said there is no detriment to public welfare in this project.
Some city staff members are asking that conditions of the approval be met with stipulations, including a fence surround and painting the tower in earth tone colors, according to the Post-Record.
Turner accepted public comments through yesterday.
Comments on the conditional use permit application can be submitted to the City of Camas Planning Department at 616 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas, WA 98607, or to Fox at sfox@cityofcamas.us. Turner is expected to make his decision known in August.
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