UPDATE First given the nod by the city of South Lake Tahoe, CA in 2019, a proposed cell tower continues to gain approval, but remains unbuilt. As the Tahoe Daily Tribune reports, Verizon Wireless was given the green light for its 112-foot cell tower on Ski Run Boulevard. The approval has been challenged by local activists, keeping the tower on the drawing board and off the slopes.
In its first battle, Verizon squared off with Monica Eisenstecken, whose property abuts the proposed tower site. Eisenstecken argued that the cell tower represented a possible health hazard, a threat to property values, and a strike against Tahoe’s natural beauty. The City Council considered her position by remaining unswayed, denying her appeal.
Unable to gain traction at the local level, Eisenstecken has also filed a federal case aimed at bringing the development of cell towers and wireless facilities in Tahoe to a halt. In this lawsuit, she is joined by Tahoe Stewards, LLC, Tahoe for Safer Tech, and the Environmental Health Trust. The suit remains active despite the death of the principal attorney, who has been replaced. The matter may or may not make its way to court as the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency has filed a motion to dismiss.
Back at the local level, a hearing officers meeting last week gave opponents another chance to air their complaints. According to the Tribune, Attorney Marsha Burch advised attendees that a special use permit had already been granted to Verizon. The source reported that some at the meeting questioned whether the special use permit was still valid. The TRPA upheld its support of the project. Opponents have until November 4 to present the governing board with another appeal.
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