Communications companies continue to install cell towers in La Jolla. Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint currently have projects cycling through the planning process to build communications installations throughout La Jolla. The La Jolla Community Planning Association will hear two projects today, April 3 at its monthly meeting.
Sprint’s project, slated for 939 Coast Blvd., and T-Mobile’s proposal at 309 Colima Court will be heard, said LJCPA chair Tim Golba.
The Verizon Mandell project, which is proposed in the Shores area at 8625 La Jolla Scenic Drive North, in front of a synagogue, will be heard by the Coastal Development Permit sub-committee, he said.
The Verizon proposal is for a 30-foot tower shaped like a faux tree, with 12 panel antennas and three GPS antennas, according to a notice by the City of San Diego.
“People are concerned about the unknown health risks and also, what does a faux tree look like?” said Jim Heaton, La Jolla Shores Association chair. “People in the Shores are concerned about the presence of cell towers … the health risks and the aesthetic value.”
Although some residents are apprehensive about the presence of cell towers, Golba said state and federal laws stymie his group, which is only advisory. Other communication projects that passed through the committee told Golba they would get approval regardless of the LJCPA’s vote, he said.
“There’s nothing you can do to stop [the tower] because it’s a state or federal law,” Golba said. “The best thing we can do is to tip the city off to things we think are placed poorly … we may comment if we don’t like the type of faux tree.”
But Golba said the group can’t offer input to the city on health conditions or concerns. Two of the communications projects will be voted on at Thursday’s meeting.
“There’s been quite a bit of community input,” Golba said.
The LJCPA meets at 6 p.m. at La Jolla Recreation Center, 615 Prospect St.