Community members voice concerns over Verizon cell tower and local construction issues

Community concerns over a proposed cell tower dominated the recent Arroyo Grande City Council meeting, as residents voiced their frustrations about delays and potential impacts on property values. Carol Cranfield, a representative from Sunrise Terrace, urged the council to intervene with Verizon, which has been slow to finalize plans for the tower that was initially denied in February 2025. “Verizon's dragging their feet... it’s having a really adverse effect on our community,” she stated, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty that has persisted for 15 months.

Cranfield's comments were echoed by fellow resident Ethel Landers, who expressed gratitude for the council's support in denying the tower's initial placement near senior homes. “We’ve had people literally get sick... because of the stress,” she said, emphasizing the emotional toll on the community.

In response, city staff confirmed that Verizon has reached a land lease agreement with St. John's but noted that the process is still ongoing. The council is actively seeking to expedite communication with Verizon's legal team to address community concerns.

Additionally, resident Josh raised questions about a new single-family home being built next to his property, citing potential non-compliance with local regulations. The council assured him that staff would follow up to clarify his options for addressing the issue.

As the meeting concluded, the council reiterated its commitment to addressing community concerns and ensuring that residents feel heard and supported in ongoing developments.