One Cellular Phone Project Is Approved, 2 Put on Hold

Mobile phone companies went one for three on Friday, after a zoning administrator decided to approve one cellular phone antenna installation in Winnetka but held off approval of two other projects in Studio City and Valley Village for further study.

Associate Zoning Administrator Lourdes Green approved a conditional use permit for LA Cellular to install 12 antennas atop the Warner West Medical Center at 22030 Sherman Way in Winnetka. But applications by Cox Communications and Pac Bell Mobile Services needed further review, she said.

All three companies said they needed the unmanned wireless antennas to fill gaps in coverage areas.

In the day’s most contentious hearing, Pac Bell applied for a permit to place six antennas on property owned by St. David’s Episcopal Church at 11605 Magnolia Blvd. in Valley Village. Company officials said the antennas would be disguised by their placement, atop a 45-foot flagpole.

Although nothing is conclusive, some area residents were concerned about possible health hazards from radio waves.

The Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 forbids local authorities from making a determination based on possible health consequences. Green said she would further review the case and determine whether Pac Bell would need further permits because of the flagpole’s height.

Green also said she wanted to further review the application of Cox Communications, which has applied to place antennas atop an office building at 3330 Cahuenga Blvd. in Studio City.

A Cox representative said the company needed the facility so people driving through Cahuenga Pass on the Ventura Freeway would not lose calls. Two area residents objected, saying they did not have enough information and were afraid the antennas would be an eyesore.