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Commission approves AT&T’s faux‑eucalyptus wireless facility near Executive Park Boulevard
Summary
The commission granted a conditional use authorization for a 70‑foot stealth wireless facility (monopole disguised as a fake eucalyptus) on Caltrans right of way to improve Highway 101 coverage and support FirstNet; public comments raised ecology, property‑value and health concerns.
The Planning Commission voted Dec. 10 to approve a conditional use authorization for AT&T to install a 70‑foot faux eucalyptus monopole and screened ground equipment in Caltrans right of way near the intersection of Alana Way and Executive Park Boulevard to bolster coverage along Highway 101 and provide Band 14 (FirstNet) service.
Planning staff framed the project as aligning with the city’s siting preferences for telecommunications facilities in public locations and recommended approval, noting public outreach in June 2018 and 16 correspondence letters (primarily in opposition). AT&T said the existing coverage is spotty in the area and that the site would strengthen service for commuters and first responders; AT&T noted it seeks stealthing to blend the facility into the landscape.
Public commenters objected to the choice of a faux eucalyptus form, arguing eucalyptus is invasive, flammable and inappropriate to plant or emulate in the local ecology; other commenters cited concerns about RF exposure, property value impacts and proximity to residential building sites and asked whether alternative placements would be less intrusive. AT&T representatives said the monopole was proposed in a location selected in coordination with planning, away from buildings, and that the planning department would select appropriate screening species.
Commissioners asked staff about siting preference and ecological concerns; staff said the location aligns most closely with the preference list for siting in public locations and noted no on‑site structures exist on the parcel. Commissioner Diamond offered a motion to approve the project with conditions; the motion passed unanimously 7‑0.
Conditions include standard permitting requirements, landscaping to screen equipment (species to be selected by planning staff) and standard building and installation protocols. AT&T will also provide Band 14 FirstNet capability as part of the site.
