PC 092210 Special Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Lobaugh then presented a series of photo-simulations showing the site as being on the other side of a grouping of trees. He stated that they selected a mono-pine that would blend with the existing tree canopy, spent four or five meetings on site, met with staff on-site, and brought in ten different samples to match the Sequoia Redwood trees. He displayed the view from I-680 which is the only angle from which the tree can be seen and geared to blend in with the existing tree canopy. He indicated that there were limited areas within the proximity of the mono-pine location from which they could take pictures, and they chose locations that would be natural viewpoints. Mr. Lobaugh stated that their application was submitted in September 2009, and met with the neighbors, listened to their very legitimate questions and concerns, brought along samples, took them over to the site, and walked through the fencing compound. He indicated that one concern the neighbors had expressed is that once the trees at the back of the neighbors’ properties drop their leaves, visibility would be a problem. He then showed a photo-simulation, taken from the street by the property closest to the proposed site when there were no leaves on the trees. He noted that the faux pine tree could not be seen that clearly from that angle. He stated that he believed there is a very small window at the court from where the proposed mono-pine could be seen. Mr. Lobaugh stated that they have submitted to staff two different site-alternative analyses explaining why they would not work. He add that ten months later, he received a request from staff to explore the alternative location that lies farther south and outside their search range. He indicated that shortly thereafter, he received a letter stating the project was denied. Mr. Lobaugh explained why the alternative site proposed by staff will not work: The main reason is because it is a 35-foot-tall building, which is far too low to shoot through trees and reach the intended coverage area farther north. The site lies south within the Bernal Corporate Park; it is buried within an extensive grove of redwood trees all around. It is a privately-owned building, and T-Mobile has antennas on it; redwood trees rim the building. The intent is to face north, which would be directly into the trees. The very dense canopy of very mature redwood trees simply does not make it work. There is no room for ground equipment on the site. They have a backup diesel generator which they will put on-site to provide backup power in case of emergency. Verizon’s equipment is a robust footprint; there is no room around the perimeter to put all of the equipment cabinets. Mr. Lobaugh stated that he believes their application is complete. He indicated that they have exhaustively spent many hours working with staff on trying to arrive at a design that works and to address neighbor concerns. He asked for Commission approval to be able to provide the best cellular coverage in the City. Chair Olson inquired why Verizon’s tower would not work if the T-Mobile tower does. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 22, 2010 Page 4 of 23