I believe that the 80-foot-tall industrial-sized cell tower that Verizon wants to build on the corner of Kenneth Avenue and Via Santa Maria will have a severe negative impact on the property value, health, and environment of the beautiful semi-rural area. The proposed site plays host to stately eucalyptus trees, which are more than 50 years old. These trees are designated protected raptor roosting sites.
Diesel generators, air conditioners, and service trucks associated with the tower will create noise and disturbances that will affect the tranquility of this and the surrounding areas. The disturbance could undoubtedly cause the migratory birds, raptors, screeching hawks, and hooting owls that nest in the trees at the site to leave. The wonderful view enjoyed by the many people who appreciate the open space will be marred. When the adjacent ‘Mud Lake’ is finally developed into the community park that was promised more than 30 years ago, the cell tower could have hugely adverse effects on the appearance of the park.
Cell towers are necessary, but there must be something better than placing an unsightly and enormous structure smack in the middle of a natural area right next to a future community park. Please contact your county commissioners and Verizon and implore them to be more careful about the placement and design of these towers. Set the precedent now because your neighborhood could be next.
This article appears in Jun 4-11, 2015.
