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Commission signals general support for AT&T tower at Cooling Camp Park pending formal review
Summary
AT&T representatives presented a preliminary proposal for an up-to-100-foot wireless tower at Cooling Camp Park; commissioners expressed general support for further conversations and noted lease revenue and possible park improvements, with final approval dependent on council and zoning review.
AT&T’s preliminary proposal for a new wireless tower at Cooling Camp Park drew general support from the Parks and Recreation Commission as commissioners asked staff to continue conversations and consider visual treatments and park improvements.
City staff introduced Brian Bridal (the applicant contact) and explained the request was at a conceptual level: the commission was being asked whether it would be willing to entertain a cell tower at Cooling Camp Park before the applicant spent further time on zoning and site plans. Staff noted the proposed structure would be up to 100 feet tall and that lease terms would be negotiated if the council and planning review supported the location.
Commissioners raised standard concerns — lease revenue, possible park improvements negotiated as part of a lease, camouflage or pole coloring, and the tower’s proximity to an existing fire siren at Cooling Camp. One commissioner noted the ubiquity of towers in the urban landscape and framed the installation as a public-safety enhancement tied to improved coverage. Staff said further steps would include council-level preliminary feedback, then formal zoning and site-plan review if the council is supportive.
The commission’s preliminary reaction was supportive of further discussion; no binding decision was made and any final approval would come through council action and required formal zoning approvals.
Next steps: staff will relay commission feedback to the applicant and the council; the applicant will pursue formal zoning and site-plan applications if the council signals support.
