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Plan Commission approves AT&T backup generator at East Terrace with noise‑mitigation and placement conditions
Summary
After neighbor concerns about noise and visibility, the Plan Commission approved AT&T’s request to add a backup generator at 801 Northeast Ave, requiring additional sound barriers, routing conduit up the stairwell to reduce visual impact and consultation with the adjacent property owner about fencing.
The Waukesha City Plan Commission on Sept. 24 approved a minor site‑plan request from AT&T to install a standby generator at the East Terrace Apartments (801 Northeast Avenue), but only after the applicant agreed to multiple conditions aimed at reducing noise and visual impacts for neighbors.
Staff recommended moving the generator to the south side of a stairwell to increase distance from the nearest residence. The applicant, represented by Lisa Cavalla of MasTec Communications Group, said the landlord and the sound study favored the applicant’s proposed northeast location and noted the generator would be used only for backup and routine testing (15–30 minutes roughly once a month). Cavalla said the generator was “essential… for our service during a power outage, but also for our 1st responders.”
Commissioners and a meeting participant raised concerns about noise, enclosure design and where conduit would run to the roof. One technical suggestion was to use acoustic block in the enclosure to reduce reverberation, especially because the enclosure does not include a roof. Commissioners also discussed visual impact and paint durability if conduit is painted.
The commission approved the application on the condition that the applicant: • provide additional sound‑reduction measures for the generator enclosure (staff to review noise‑mitigation details), • route conduit up the backside of the stairwell to minimize public visibility, and • where possible and if agreed by the adjacent property owner, have a solid fence or equivalent screening on the neighboring property to further reduce noise transmission.
The approval also requires the applicant to obtain a wireless colocation permit and any other applicable building permits before installation. The commission noted the applicant may return to the commission if neighbors or staff remain unsatisfied with mitigation measures.
Why it matters Backup generators for telecommunications equipment can help maintain communication services during power outages, including for first responders, but they also raise local concerns about noise and placement next to residences. The commission’s conditions aim to balance operational needs with neighborhood livability by requiring additional mitigation and clearer on‑site design before final permits are issued.
Next steps The applicant will bring detailed mitigation plans and conduit routing to staff for review; if issues remain, the project may return to the Plan Commission. Testing frequency and long‑term maintenance provisions were described by the applicant but not codified into a required schedule in the approval.
