Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Telecommunications Tower topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission recommends approval of telecommunications tower at 2617 Park Street
Summary
The Little Canada Planning Commission on March 12 recommended approval of a conditional use permit to allow a commercial telecommunications tower at 2617 Park Street, citing a coverage gap and staff findings; the motion passed 4-0 amid resident concerns about property values and health.
Acting Chair Leif Masrud and the Little Canada Planning Commission voted 4-0 on March 12 to recommend approval of a conditional use permit (CUP) to allow a commercial telecommunications tower at 2617 Park Street.
Community Development Director Ben Harrington told commissioners the site, zoned C-1 and currently used as a nonconforming mini-storage facility, has a coverage gap that the proposed tower would fill. Harrington said the application met the CUP criteria and recommended approval subject to conditions in the staff report, including required permits, conformance with submitted plans, and compliance with OSHA and Minnesota building and electrical codes.
The proposal drew concerns from nearby residents. Mark Schultz, who said he moved to Little Canada in 1977, questioned why the tower was needed, who benefits, and whether his property value could drop; he estimated a 15 to 20 percent decline. Mrs. Schultz said she was worried about health risks and asked that the tower be sited away from residential areas. The Community Development Director said the nearest residence was about 375 feet from the proposed tower site and noted that the city’s public-notice radius is 350 feet, which may not capture all neighbors for larger projects.
Blair Ransom, representing the applicant, said studies show no consistent adverse effect on property values and noted that many homeowners value strong wireless connections. Ransom also said safety and FAA requirements are governed federally and that towers under 200 feet have different filing requirements; he confirmed the proposal would support 5G service and internet capability and said leases for such sites commonly run 40 to 50 years.
Commissioner Miller, who introduced the motion, said the CUP met the city’s code requirements and that denying a request that satisfies criteria could expose the city to liability; Commissioner Haluptzok noted alternative tower designs could be required if desired and asked about future redevelopment impacts. The staff report included a recommended condition that the development remain substantially consistent with the approved plans and that any material deviation require city review.
The motion—"recommending the approval of a conditional use permit for a commercial telecommunications tower at 2617 Park Street, Little Canada, Minnesota, subject to the conditions" listed in the staff report—was seconded by Commissioner Haluptzok and passed with four ayes, zero nays.
After the vote, Harrington reviewed an Economic Development Authority study excerpt included in the packet and said he would prioritize posting the "Understanding the Little Canada Economy" document to the city website. With no further business, the commission adjourned at 7:18 p.m.
