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Rec and Park approves AT&T lease for faux‑tree cell facility near Palace of Fine Arts to improve coverage
Summary
The commission approved a lease with AT&T to install a disguised 90‑foot cell tree and equipment pad near the Palace of Fine Arts to improve cellular coverage for visitors and emergency responders; the project received planning and public‑health approvals and will include a city‑owned staging pad as an added benefit.
The Recreation and Park Commission approved a lease with AT&T to install and operate a wireless facility near the Palace of Fine Arts consisting of a 90‑foot faux eucalyptus cell “tree,” antennas at about 78 feet and an equipment shelter on a concrete pad.
Property manager Hank Keckle said the site was chosen to address a verified coverage gap in the Palace area and on Marina Green. AT&T’s studies predicted a substantial improvement in outdoor and building coverage after installation. The Planning Commission previously issued conditional use authorization and the Planning Department issued a CEQA exemption; the Department of Public Health reviewed and accepted AT&T’s radio emissions study and will perform post‑construction checks for ongoing compliance.
The lease term totals nine and a half years with no extension. Rent is $7,500 per month ($90,000 per year) subject to annual CPI increases with a minimum 3% annual adjustment; AT&T will provide a security deposit of $50,000. AT&T will reimburse the department for project management costs up to $12,500. As part of the transaction AT&T will construct an additional 924‑square‑foot concrete pad across the driveway that will become city property for department use.
Commissioners asked about aesthetics and suggested exploring painted or three‑dimensional treatments for the required block wall around the equipment pad; staff said they would evaluate options and noted art treatments would require review by the Arts Commission.
The commission approved the lease unanimously. Staff said the design minimizes visual impacts by locating the faux tree within an existing stand of trees and by painting the equipment enclosure to match the Palace.
Department staff and AT&T representatives will proceed with building permits and DBI review; DPH will perform additional radio‑frequency testing after construction to confirm compliance with applicable standards.
