Residents Raise Voices Against Cell Antennas

El Cerrito's design review board recently shot down proposals from AT&T four four new cell phone antennas, siding with residents who protested the installations are a blight in residential neighborhoods.

There remains a battle over a fifth antenna site, proposed for 851 Seaview Drive. A use permit for that proposal was appealed by residents and will be heard before the City Council on August 20.

Alison Shimada commented on an earlier story on El Cerrito Patch, "Every town around us including Kensington and Albany has opposed such towers. There are better locations and designs for such things. They do NOT need to be placed in residential neighborhoods. People need to voice their opinions strongly at the August 20th City Council meeting."

CJ Lee added, "Altough four antennae were rejected, please note that one antenna is still standing! We need everyone as we did on August 7 to come to the August 20 City Council hearing to reject the last antenna! August 20 is crucial not only because we want to reject the last antenna, we also want to propose a comprehensive plan to protect our residential neighborhoods."

Mary wrote: "Why are these cell antennas being proposed when we have good reception now? I keep hoping that the existing power lines will be put underground someday, so we certainly don't need any more...."

AT&T's plans call for the antennas to stretch about 10 feet above the top of the existing poles. Electrical boxes would be placed lower on the poles, extending about 18 inches outward toward the sidewalk. Some residents are concerned about the visual impact on their neighborhood.

The other antennas were to be placed on PG&E poles near 202 Seaview Drive, 906 Balra Drive, 762 Colusa Ave. and 7800 Eureka Ave. The decision on those antennas can be appealed to the Planning Commission.

Not everyone is solidly against the antennas, however.

Donna H. commented, "We do not have good reception now. Poles are ugly but they are already there and ten more feet won't make that much difference. As for the electromagnetic danger, that has been disproven. The danger, if any, comes from holding the phone up to your ear, not from the transmitters."