VAN NUYS : City Rejects Request for Microwave Dish

In an compromise effort to soothe the fears of nearby residents, a city zoning official Friday denied a cellular phone company’s request to install a microwave dish atop a Van Nuys apartment building, but allowed the company to install three new antennas.

Van Nuys resident Maureen Moylan had organized a petition drive protesting L.A. Cellular’s telecommunications facility to be built at a six-story apartment complex at 6805 Louise Ave. Moylan was concerned that the three antennas would be an eyesore, and feared any harmful affects of a 36-inch microwave antenna dish that could be installed later.

But at a hearing at the Van Nuys Women’s Club, Associate City Zoning Administrator John Parker ruled against the microwave antenna, saying that he believed it was not necessary for the operation of the facility.

“During the hearing, it became apparent that most of the concern was the microwave antenna,” Parker said. “While I don’t feel uncomfortable with a microwave antenna, the people who were there were.”

Parker also allowed L.A. Cellular to explain to Moylan that the three antennas would be mounted on the side of the buildings and painted to blend into the structure, allaying Moylan’s aesthetic concerns.

“The fact that it’s not one of those big, huge monstrosities sticking up on the side of the building, that was a relief,” she said.

Dan Hare, the representative for L.A. Cellular at the meeting, could not be reached for comment.