Published
in Rio Linda Elverta News August 19, 2004 - Scroll for other articles
Cell
tower to grow?
By Jay O'Brien
The Rio Linda/Elverta Community Planning Advisory Committee (CPAC), at
its August 10 meeting, heard a proposal from Metro PCS to raise the
Cellular antenna at Dry Creek Road and Elkhorn Boulevard from 100 to
110 feet.
John Yu, representing Metro PCS, explained that the available space
below the existing antennas on the 100 foot structure would not provide
the coverage necessary to meet adjoining cell sites. Therefore, Metro
PCS, as a new tenant in the facility, proposes to extend the tower ten
feet and place another set of antenna panels above those now present.
Yu explained that his company plans to sub-lease space from AAT
Communications Corporation, the company that leases the Communications
site from the property owners, Florentino and Maria Valdez.
CPAC members related their discussions when the original application
for the structure was heard on February 13, 2001. They recalled the
applicant at that time, Mericom Corporation, agreed to landscape the
property and had specified that the tower was designed to accomodate as
many as seven service providers on the 100 foot monopole. It was
related that County compliance officers have been called twice to
enforce the landscaping committment, to no avail. A motion was made by
CPAC member Zack Arbios to deny the application based on the lack of
follow through by the structure owner.
Yu said that his company was not responsible for any existing problems
at the site, and he objected to CPAC "holding hostage" his company's
efforts. Yu accepted the profferred alternative that CPAC continue the
item for one month, so that AAT would have an opportunity to satisfy
the CPAC.
It was also identified that the existing application with the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), required because of the proximity to
McClellan and Rio Linda airports, may require modification due to the
additional height, and that FAA could impose lighting requirements upon
review.
A photograph circulated by the original applicant at the February 13,
2001 CPAC meeting shows an example of landscaping that could be placed
around the facility.
CPAC unanimously approved Arbios' modified motion to continue the item
for one month.
Real Estate Broker Jack Nolan, representing the property owner, said
that Mr. Valdez was not notified of either the change of ownership of
the structure from Mericom to AAT or of the proposal to extend the
tower; the first notice received was the announcement of this month's
CPAC meeting.
The next CPAC meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2004, 7:00 PM at
the Community Center.
The CPAC is composed of volunteers from the community. CPAC relies on
the County to assure and enforce CPAC suggested conditions.
Published
in Rio Linda Elverta News August 19, 2004 - Scroll for other articles
Take back our
streets, parks & bike trail
By Norma-Lee
Town Meeting Thursday, August 26 at 7 PM
Rio Linda Community Center
Throughout the summer, complaints have been on the rise that speeders
and reckless drivers are out of control here in Rio Linda and Elverta.
It has also been noted that the parks are overrun with undesirable
elements and transients threaten the bike trail. If you and your family
have stopped using our facilities for these or any other reasons, or if
you just want a safer community, you must attend the Town Meeting set
for August 26th at 7 PM.
In attendance will be guests from the Sheriffs Department, the
California Highway Patrol, Grant Police, the County, and the District
Attorneys Office.
Ask them face-to-face, what can we do to take back our community and
make it safe for our children to live and play here.
This issue is too important to hope that some one else will take care
of it or that it will just 'go away' on its own.
It is your community, you pay the taxes that provide these amenities.
Make sure your family can enjoy them safely.
This event is sponsored by the Rio Linda/Elverta Chamber of Commerce
and will be moderated by Frank Porter, Superintendent of the Rio Linda
Union Elementary School District.
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