Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cell Towers topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
PUC renews MetroPCS lease for six antennas at Southeast Plant amid community health concerns
Summary
The commission unanimously approved a five-year lease renewal for MetroPCS to retain up to six antennas on the Southeast Treatment Plant rooftop; community members urged further environmental review and outreach while staff said the Bureau of Environmental Management issued a categorical CEQA exemption and the site has been active since 2001.
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission on June 24 approved a five-year lease renewal for MetroPCS to use rooftop space at the Southeast Treatment Plant for cellular service, authorizing continued use of up to six antennas for $3,700 per month.
Joseph Tam, Real Estate Property Officer, noted a correction in the agenda summary — MetroPCS’ lease contemplates up to six antennas (the vendor initially requested nine) — and said MetroPCS has occupied a site at that location since February 2001. He told commissioners the lease renewal would extend the arrangement for five years at the stated monthly rent.
During public comment, Espanola Jackson and other Bayview Hunters Point residents asked that the project be stopped until an environmental impact review could assess health and safety risks; Jackson raised concerns about proximity to methane stacks at the treatment plant and cumulative exposure from multiple cellular sites in the neighborhood. MJ Abdul Bari and others urged commissioners to consider long-term health implications.
Joseph Tam and staff responded that the Bureau of Environmental Management concluded the lease renewal qualified for a categorical exemption under CEQA and that the existing site had been permitted and in operation since 2001; staff also noted the lease requires vendors to obtain planning and building permits before construction. The commission voted unanimously to approve the lease renewal and directed staff to gather and present current information on potential health impacts and to remain available for community discussions.
Commissioners recorded that environmental review would be required for any new antenna installations on PUC property, but that continuing an existing, permitted site does not trigger new CEQA review in this case.
