Planning commission tables proposal for 149-foot wireless monopole at Wentworth Park after heavy public comment

The Mendota Heights Planning Commission opened a public hearing March 31 on a request from Buell Consulting on behalf of The Towers LLC (a tower owner) and Verizon Wireless for a 149-foot wireless monopole at Wentworth Park (739 Wentworth Avenue). The applicant requested the item be tabled so it could prepare written responses to public comments; the Commission kept the hearing open and voted to table to the April 28 Planning Commission meeting.

Staff noted 29 written comments had been received and recommended approval based on findings, but the project drew strong public interest. Residents voiced multiple objections: several said the tower would harm the park’s character and views where children play; others raised concerns about potential impacts on property values and alleged health risks from 5G installations. Joan Brandes said it "would be a shame that the area where children were playing would be taken up by this equipment" and Benjamin Paterson cited studies he said showed property-value impacts. Opponents also criticized the short notification window that coincided with spring break.

At the same time, residents who experience dropped calls urged better coverage for safety and daily needs. Ken Noack described losing phone service during a past power outage and said poor in-home coverage can be a public-safety concern: "in this day and age, you would think they would have coverage and service." Several speakers asked the city and applicant for clearer maps showing existing and proposed tower locations and the projected coverage radius.

Applicant representative Sarah Buell said Verizon initiated the site search but often leases space from tower companies; she explained the typical arrangement among Verizon, The Towers LLC (Vertical Bridge) and site consultants and said the applicant sought time to respond to comments. Commissioners requested additional materials including current and future tower/antenna placement maps, justification showing why preferred locations were inadequate, the radius of projected coverage improvement and clear before-and-after renderings. Commissioner Patrick Corbett said mapping and site-selection justification would help the public and the Commission evaluate whether the park is a last-resort location.

Commissioner Jeff Nath moved and Commissioner Steve Goldade seconded to table the application to April 28 so the applicant could provide written responses and additional materials; the motion passed 5-0. Staff said mailed notice for the next meeting will use the same 1,250-foot radius and agenda reports are released the Friday before the meeting; staff will also post information in Friday News and rely on sign-ups for emailed notices.