Resident Seeks to Block Antenna Plan
A Faria Beach resident has appealed to the California Coastal Commission to block installation of a proposed 35-foot cellular antenna tower along Pacific Coast Highway, arguing the tower would diminish property values as well as the beach community’s scenic beauty.
Bill Stratton said the proposed Pacific Bell tower poses health risks to residents and could disturb or harm wildlife that frequent nearby Padre Juan Creek. For these reasons, Stratton said, the project warrants a full environmental review before being allowed to go forward.
The Coastal Commission will hear Stratton’s appeal when it meets in Santa Barbara County on May 13-16, said Merle Betz, an official with the commission.
Pacific Bell wants to place four panel antennas on a single, 35-foot pole at 3945 Pacific Coast Highway, near Faria County Park. Two existing antennas owned by AT & T and AirTouch Cellular are across the highway from the proposed tower site.
Unconvinced the tower would harm the community, the county Board of Supervisors on March 5 approved its installation.
To shield the tower from view, Pacific Bell agreed to plant similar size palms trees around it.
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