Commission approves Verizon rooftop 'stealth' wireless antennas at NewPark Mall

The Newark Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit on Sept. 23 allowing Verizon Wireless to install a rooftop colocation 'stealth' facility at 3900 Newpark Mall Road. Staff recommended approval with a revised exhibit that reduced the number of active radio units and corrected rooftop lease area dimensions.

Staff planner Brandon DeLucas said the proposal adds antenna arrays at the western and eastern roof corners and places three new equipment cabinets within an existing mechanical equipment enclosure. A fiber‑reinforced polymer (FRP) screen matching the building’s color will conceal the antennas; there will be no ground‑mounted equipment. The staff report originally listed 24 antennas, but a desk item and revised Exhibit C from the applicant reduced that count to 20 by removing four radio units. Staff concluded the project complies with the RC (Regional Commercial) zone setbacks and height limits and determined it to be categorically exempt under CEQA Section 15313 for small facilities.

The applicant’s representative, Danielle Hanover of Centerline Communications, confirmed she had reviewed the conditions and had no objections. No members of the public spoke during the hearing. Commissioners asked no substantive questions and the commission voted to approve the resolution by voice vote (five ayes). The staff report lists the property owner as InvestMaster Corporation and the project was evaluated under Newark Municipal Code provisions for stealth communication facilities (referenced in the staff presentation).