After receiving negative feedback from some neighborhood residents in the Harbor View Estates section of San Clemente, CA, the city has put itself in a holding pattern. Applicant DISH Wireless (NASDAQ: DISH) has asked to install equipment on an existing American Tower (NYSE: AMT) communications facility. However, as the San Clemente Times reports, subdivision neighbors said that they were not adequately informed about this proposal and believed that the tower site was no longer usable.
The San Clemente City Council and Planning Commission decided to look into the matter further and have entered into a tolling agreement with DISH. Community Development Director, Adam Atamian, explained that this will allow the parties to temporarily suspend statute of limitation requirements. If eventually approved, DISH would like to move ahead with plans to attach three panel antennas onto the existing structure.
Speaking on behalf of the alarmed residents, K.C. Morrow told the San Clemente Times that she and others would continue to challenge City Council. The Harbor View Estates HOA has hired a lawyer to argue against the suitability of the proposed site for an upgraded cell tower facility, she said.
Residents contend that the site’s “continual” use requirement has not been met, barring it for further development. City staff, on the other hand, pointed to federal governance as the ultimate authority on whether or not cell tower equipment can be approved.
The discussion could resume as early as the next meeting in early December, according to the Times.
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