Planners Reject Bid for Microwave Tower
Opposition from homeowners and church officials has prompted the Planning Commission to turn down one of three applications to install microwave antennas that facilitate the transmission of cellular telephone calls.
After listening to about 10 speakers who live near Marguerite Parkway and Jeronimo Road, commissioners said that a 40-foot pole proposed by Pacific Bell Mobile Services is not compatible with the neighborhood.
Company representatives offered to build a pole to resemble a pine tree, but commissioners rejected the idea, expressing doubts that the camouflaged structure would continue to look authentic over time.
Along with homeowners, the Mission Viejo Christian Church, which also operates a preschool, opposed Pacific Bell, expressing concern over health issues related to electromagnetic emissions from the pole.
A Pacific Bell expert told the commission that electromagnetic energy radiated by the pole does not pose a health risk.
Commissioners approved the installation of poles at two other sites, including one also located near a church.
A Pacific Bell tower 40 to 50 feet high will be built at the Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church, 26001 Muirlands Blvd.
The other pole, 52 feet tall, will be built at a Moulton Niguel Water District tank at 23391 Via Bahia.
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