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Commission approves a reduced-visibility rooftop wireless installation at 145 Laurel with conditions
Summary
After reviewing alternatives to screen rooftop antennas, the Planning Commission approved a reduced‑bulk screening design for AT&T’s proposed 145 Laurel Street facility and adopted staff-recommended conditions to minimize visual impacts.
The Planning Commission approved a conditional use authorization for AT&T Mobility to install a macro wireless telecommunications facility at 145 Laurel Street, supporting staff’s recommended alternative that reduces visibility and bulk.
Planning staff summarized three alternatives supplied by the sponsor: reflective wrapping of individually wrapped antennas, reduced-dimension FRP (fiber‑reinforced plastic) screening boxes (preferred for compliance with screening standards), and unscreened painted antennas. Staff said design 3 (reduced FRP box dimensions and white paint) best met screening expectations while minimizing rooftop bulk. Ashley Lindsay reviewed the alternatives and planning standards and noted revised finding language related to preferred locations for wireless facilities.
AT&T representative Misako Hill said she had reviewed the staff report and was "in support of the conditions outlined by planning." A neighbor who had initially asked for the item to be pulled from consent supported the less‑bulky alternative after seeing the revisions. After a brief commission exchange and a request to show the alternative diagrams for clarity, the commission moved to approve staff’s recommendation with the amended motion; the vote passed unanimously among those present.
