GRANADA HILLS : AirTouch Cell Phone Permit Hearing Set
A public hearing will be held Feb. 27 by the Los Angeles Office of Zoning Administration to discuss the possibility of allowing AirTouch Cellular to place a new cell site in a shopping center on Balboa Boulevard.
In one of several attempts to enhance customer service in the Valley, AirTouch is seeking to install an antenna unit at 11122 Balboa Blvd.
The facility would consist of a 45-foot steel pole equipped with antennas and microwave dishes and an unmanned telecommunications room housing radio frequency gear that will power the equipment.
The machinery would be housed among the strip mall stores, while the pole is set to be installed in a nearby mall parking lot.
Because that area of town is zoned for highly restricted commercial uses, city officials must grant a conditional use permit to AirTouch before the company can begin installing the equipment. AirTouch also must obtain a variance that would allow the pole to be placed in the parking lot.
“The site is designed to improve coverage in the area,” said Air Touch Cellular spokeswoman Melissa May. “There has been an enormous increase in demand within the (Valley) area, especially since the earthquake.”
City zoning administrators said they expect to hear public comment on traffic congestion, aesthetic blight and possible radio interference with stereos, TVs and regular phones.
The public hearing is scheduled to take place at the Sherman Oaks Woman’s Club, 4808 Kester Ave., on 1 p.m. Monday. For further information, call (213) 485-3851.
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