With a 3-2 vote, the El Centro (CA) City Council has approved plans to erect an 85-foot monopole cell tower, reports the Holtville Tribune. Current zoning requirements limit the height to 65 feet, making the zoning variance a necessity. Plans call for the tower to be constructed by Tectonic Engineering on behalf of Vertical Bridge.
The California community acknowledged the need for reliable connectivity, but expressed concerns about how their decision could influence future cell tower plans in El Centro. “I would like to make sure that we’re not sending the message that we’re a free-for-all,” said Mayor Tomas Oliva.
“It seems like our city is becoming infested with these cell phone towers,” agreed council member Sylvia Marroquin.
Council member Cheryl Viegas-Walker added that she, “would like to see the city take the most aggressive stance possible in regards to these towers and how close they can be sited in proximity to one another.”
The proposal for the new cell tower would place it on a 1,700 square foot pad within a 7 acre property. The property abuts commercial buildings near the Imperial Valley Mall and is 1,200 feet away from the closest residence. According to the conditional use permit on file, the tower will be able to host up to three carriers, but so far, only T-Mobile has signed on, reports the Holtville Tribune.
The council discussed revising city requirements to compel builders to build cell towers that can accommodate multiple tenants. Council members would also like the city to codify rules that designate how close a new tower can be placed to an existing tower. After debating the issue, the City Council ultimately voted in favor of approving the 85-foot cell tower.
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