Commission approves nine rooftop antennas at historic Polk Street building despite neighbor objections

The Planning Commission approved a conditional use request by AT&T Mobility to install nine roof‑mounted panel antennas disguised within radio‑frequency‑transparent shrouds at 2242 Polk Street.

Rick Crawford of the planning department said the subject building is a historic resource but staff determined the antennas would be set back and screened so as not to affect the architectural integrity and recommended approval with conditions. The site was evaluated under the city’s Wireless Telecommunications Siting (WTS) guidelines; the sponsor examined ten alternative locations and concluded no preferable sites met network objectives.

AT&T regional vice president Mark Blakeman said the installation responds to increased capacity needs for both voice and data. Opponents included nearby neighbors who raised aesthetic concerns and some health questions in letters and phone calls; one adjacent property owner, Mike Rossoff, said rooftop equipment and new vents already visible on that roof are noisy and intrusive and that additional equipment will further affect views and garden sunlight.

Staff and commissioners emphasized the WTS siting standard and that health claims fall outside the Commission’s purview; the project complied with facility siting guidelines and the planning code. After a public hearing and a single public comment from the adjacent owner, the Commission voted to approve the project as recommended.