65 Foot Cell Phone Tower Proposal Stalled

 Recap of the Torrance Parks and Recreation Commission to approve a lease at Sur La Brea Park for a 65 foot cell phone tower and equipment building.

The Parks and Recreation Commission did not agree with the recommendation of the City Manager that they concur in a proposal to locate a cellular site and 65 foot cell phone tower at Sur La Brea Park. Brian Sunshine, Assistant to the City Manager, explained the project at the beginning of the meeting indicating that the equipment building would be built adjacent to the restrooms. However, the one slide shown during the meeting showed the equipment building would be on the east end of the meeting building. Earlier in the week we surveyed the park and estimated the area is about 800 square feet of useable, flat park area. The loss of that useable park space is not acceptable. The presentation by the land agent for Verizon Wireless gave very few details and the exact location of the cell phone tower was not clearly defined. The last speaker was a student from Adams Elementary School who caught the attention of the audience when he gave an emotional speech on how important the park is to him and his family. After listening to five speakers from the audience of about 25 people and asking very specific questions of city staff and Verizon, the Commission suggested Verizon meet with the residents. John Bailey, President SETHA

Re