Neighbors, Verizon clash at Board of Supervisors hearing over proposed antennas on Kaiser Hospital; hearing continued

Supervisors heard more than two hours of testimony on a neighborhood appeal of a Planning Commission decision to allow Verizon Wireless to install nine panel antennas and related equipment on the mechanical penthouse of a Kaiser medical office building in the Inner Richmond.

The hearing focused on whether Verizon had demonstrated the installation is necessary, desirable and compatible with the surrounding low-density residential neighborhood, and whether Verizon had explored less-intrusive alternatives. Jacqueline Koo, speaking for parents and nearby residents, said the company failed to meet its burden of proof under Planning Code section 303 and pointed to independent phone tests she and neighbors performed.

"Verizon's 9 panel antennas proposed for this location are not necessary, not desirable, and not compatible with the predominantly residential character of our neighborhood," Koo said. She and other residents presented results from phone apps and anecdotal tests they said showed adequate service in the area and argued Verizon's…