City of San Diego project managers play a markedly important role in deciding the future of area projects such as the four new T-Mobile wireless communications facilities proposed for La Jolla and University City.
Although T-Mobile proposed the four projects in residential areas, company officials decided to place the equipment belowground, allowing them to skirt planning groups unless an appeal is made.
San Diego city staff will make a final decision on the right-of-way permit T-Mobile needs for the projects, said Alex Hempton, City of San Diego project manager.
“They’re applying for a neighborhood use permit,” Hempton said. “It only goes to the planning commission if the use is appealed. An appeal can be filed by people or community planning groups.”
According to Hempton, residents within 300 feet of the projects can apply for a notice.
The projects are at Stresemann Street and Lamas Street in University City; La Jolla Boulevard and Colima Street; T-Mobile Soledad at Thunderbird Lane and Soledad Road; and T-Mobile La Jolla Ranch at La Jolla Mesa Drive and La Jolla Rancho Road.
All four residential projects proposed belowground equipment. Hempton said the residential locations allow residents and community groups the possibility to appeal the projects, while commercial and industrial projects are nonappealable staff decisions.
“None of the projects have had a decision yet,” Hempton said. “They’re all at some stage in the review process, either waiting for staff to review or waiting for T-Mobile to resubmit, but no decisions have been made yet.”
Because staff was waiting for the company, Hempton said he could not give a timeline for the projects’ completion.
“It’s hard to estimate,” Hempton said. “Once it goes through the review process, it can take anywhere from two weeks to six months.”
City staff members said they were waiting for T-Mobile to clear up some issues.
Although the company proposed to store a majority of the equipment cabinets in an underground vault, antennae must be above ground.
All the projects proposed a new, or replacement 29-foot-high light pole supporting three antennas. Hempton said he wanted T-Mobile to erect the poles to blend into the area’s surroundings.
For more information about the T-Mobile projects, go to www.sandiego.gov.