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Neighbors press for more time on Sutro Tower digital‑conversion EIR; sponsor cites FCC deadline
Summary
Residents under Sutro Tower urged the Planning Commission for a 60–90 day continuance on the draft EIR for the Sutro Tower digital-television conversion, citing complex technical, seismic and RF exposure questions; project representatives said notice was provided and that FCC digital transition deadlines limit schedule flexibility.
At a public hearing on the Sutro Tower Digital Television Project draft Environmental Impact Report, multiple neighbors asked the Planning Commission for a continuance to allow independent expert review of seismic, radio-frequency (RF) exposure and construction impacts, arguing the draft EIR is technically complex and that those living in the tower’s fall zone require more time to marshal expertise (multiple public commenters, SEG 1969–1997, SEG 2000–2056, SEG 2060–2073).
Speakers representing neighborhood associations said prior hearings established precedent for a continuance and urged 60–90 days to obtain expert analyses, to test RF exposure assumptions and to assess construction impacts for homes under the tower (Doris Linenbach and others, SEG 1976–1998). Other residents cited possible concentrated temporary RF exposures during construction when some antennas are temporarily lowered and noted concerns about the tower’s location within eucalyptus forest and potential fire risks (Susan Keeney, SEG 2000–2056).
Sutro Tower’s representative (GCA/Deorah Stein) and the tower’s general manager pointed to an extensive prior outreach effort and to administrative code notice requirements; they said approximately 200 organizations and owners within 300 feet were notified and the sponsor held neighborhood meetings some months earlier (Sutro Tower representative, SEG 2143–2156, SEG 2136–2146). Sponsoring representatives said the project will eliminate 22 television antennas and replace eight (a net reduction of 14 antennas) and that the project reduces total installed antenna weight by about 3.8 tons; they also acknowledged a temporary construction-period RF exposure increase (to roughly 14.3% of the public exposure limit) that would return to roughly 8.4% after construction (Sponsor response, SEG 2207–2247).
Commissioners probed the schedule, RF modeling and structural evaluations; staff and the sponsor said more detailed written comments would be accepted through July 1, 2008 (the formal written comment deadline set on the record), while sponsor representatives emphasized FCC transition deadlines that constrain project timing (SEGs 2160–2210, 2318–2330). The commission closed the public hearing and left the written comment period open to the published deadline (SEG 2328–2332).
