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Commission approves Verizon facility at Park Merced amid resident RF concerns
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a Verizon wireless facility on a Park Merced tower after staff and Department of Public Health reviewed RF analyses; the vote met public opposition focused on health and notice, and commissioners required RF monitoring and periodic testing.
The Commission approved a conditional use authorization Aug. 1 for a Verizon wireless facility to be mounted at the elevator‑penthouse level of a residential tower at Park Merced (310 Arballo Drive). The proposal places nine panel antennas flush to the penthouse walls, with equipment rooms in the building basement.
Public concerns and health review: The hearing drew substantial public opposition focused on health risks from RF emissions and on community notification of meetings. Planning staff said the Department of Public Health reviewed Verizon—s RF studies and that the design complies with the City—s Wireless Telecommunications Siting guidelines when treated as an RM4‑equivalent high‑rise site. Staff also described an alternatives analysis that considered San Francisco State University buildings and Harding Park; Verizon said SF State preferred not to host antennas and Harding Park would require an impractically tall structure and was not an equivalent alternative.
Conditions and monitoring: Commission approval included conditions and periodic RF testing; staff noted sponsors must provide safety monitoring reports after construction and periodically thereafter. The Commission approved the project 5–1 with one dissent; the transcript records a majority of commissioners accepting staff findings and public‑health review but acknowledging strong neighborhood concern.
What happens next: Verizon will proceed with permits and is required to perform RF testing and to respond to monitoring requests from residents; staff advised residents that post‑installation RF measurements can be arranged via the Department of Public Health.
