Riverbank council pauses Verizon lease for Castleburg Park tower, requests more data and alternate sites

Riverbank City Council on March 11 continued consideration of a proposed land-lease agreement with Verizon Wireless to install cellular equipment at Castleburg Park, saying they wanted more technical data and community outreach before making a final decision.

The council heard a presentation from Verizon and an independent radio-frequency (RF) consultant about a site Verizon said would fill a local coverage and capacity gap. Carmina de Guzman, an RF engineer for the project, told the council, “the proposed site is needed as the existing tower sites are at full are nearing full capacity.” David Witkowski, founder and CEO of Oku Solutions, who reviewed the RF safety analysis, told the council that predictive exposure reports are conservative and that measured field levels typically come in lower: “When we actually measure a site in the real world, they usually come in about 5 to 10 times lower.”

Why it matters: Verizon said several nearby sectors are reaching capacity, which can cause dropped calls, slow data and reduced service quality during heavy usage. Verizon asked to lease a portion of Castleburg Park to place equipment on an existing light pole and a small ground-level equipment room. Parks staff said lease revenue would be used to maintain park facilities.

Council members raised questions about the notification and outreach Verizon had done and requested more concrete technical evidence before proceeding. Councilmember Call said he had not heard buy‑in from residents in his district and asked for more community education. Vice Mayor Fauci said the park is used by sports teams, families and youth and expressed reluctance to site the facility at a park without further outreach and alternatives.

What the council asked for: the motion to continue (passed 4–1) directed staff and Verizon to return with additional material, including (as requested by council): - A full drive‑test and capacity/coverage data package showing current performance and how the proposed site would change it. - An analysis of feasible alternative locations (commercial parcels or other non‑park sites) within the RF search radius, including documentation of any prior outreach or landlord responses. - A clear outreach plan and at least one community informational session focused on technical findings and public questions.

Council action: Councilmember Call moved to continue the item; the motion carried on a roll-call vote of 4–1 (Councilmember Uribe: yes; Councilmember Pimentel: yes; Councilmember Call: yes; Vice Mayor Fauci: no; Mayor Hernandez: yes). The item will return to a future meeting after the information requested by council is provided.

Background and context: Parks Director Michael Patton explained the proposal was the result of multi‑year negotiations and that leasing park property for communications equipment is an existing practice the department has used to generate revenue. Verizon said it had identified a “gap” in mid‑band coverage near Castleburg Park and that mid‑band capacity normally serves higher-data‑use scenarios within roughly a half‑mile radius. Verizon representatives said some nearby sites were already near exhaustion and that planning for a macro site typically takes two to three years.

Public comments: Residents and community groups asked for more outreach and expressed concerns about siting a facility at a park used by children. Several residents requested alternatives and noted low awareness of the project in affected neighborhoods.

What happens next: Verizon and staff agreed to return with the requested coverage/capacity data, an alternatives analysis and a community outreach plan. Council members asked that the return include documented contact with landlords or commercial property owners who might host the equipment if a non‑park site is feasible.

Speakers in this item (first reference with role/title): Michael Patton, Director of Parks and Recreation (City staff); Yvonne Pinto, municipal engagement (Verizon Wireless); John DuBois, real estate specialist (Verizon Wireless); Carmina de Guzman, RF engineer (Verizon Wireless); David Witkowski, founder/CEO, Oku Solutions (RF/EMF consultant); Mayor Rachel Hernandez (Mayor); Councilmember Uribe (Councilmember); Councilmember Pimentel (Councilmember); Councilmember Call (Councilmember); Vice Mayor Fauci (Vice Mayor); Olivia Rambula (Riverbank Chamber of Commerce, resident). Ending: Council asked staff to schedule a follow‑up once Verizon provides the requested technical and outreach materials.