The southern California community of Sleepy Hollow has been deemed “underserved,” but not all its residents are pleased about a proposed cell tower. As the Marin Independent Journal reports, Verizon Wireless has plans to erect a 30 foot cell tower on the grounds of the San Domenico School. An appeal that the tower location is a poor choice has stalled the project.
“We agree that Sleepy Hollow needs cell reception,” appellant Stephen Halpern posted on social media. “We do not know the reasons why other sites were not chosen.”
Verizon has said it considered ten different sites before selecting the school property. “Based upon the values expressed in Marin County regulations,” noted a company spokesman, “The proposed facility clearly constitutes the least intrusive feasible location for Verizon Wireless’ new facility.”
“With the safety threats posed by wildfires, earthquakes and PG&E power outages, maintaining communication channels in such an event is imperative for our school and our neighbors throughout the Sleepy Hollow community,” said Nick Vidinsky, representing San Domenico School. “There is currently little to no cell service in Sleepy Hollow, and when the power/internet goes out, it significantly impairs the ability to communicate with emergency responders and the outside community.”
Pete Mayer spoke on behalf of the 800 households within the Sleepy Hollow Homes Association. As head of the HOA, Mayer told the Journal the residents need the cell tower as “a matter of public safety, open and shut.”
“We will be defending the deputy zoning administrator’s prior approval,” said County Project Planner, Megan Alton. “The appellant’s points of appeal were not sufficient to recommend overturning the prior approval.”
The final decision rests in the hands of the Marin County Board of Supervisors, who will be reviewing the appeal.
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