THE AT&T CELL TOWER HAS BEEN APPROVED

The AT&T cell tower has been approved to the dismay of the majority of Marina del Rey / Venice residents. We have 2 weeks to file and appeal. No later than May 14th, 2012 with the City Planning Department. It is strongly suggested that all appeals be filed early and in-person so that errors may be corrected before the appeasl period. Forms available at http://planning.lacity.org. The location is Figueroa Plaza, 201 N. Figueroa Street, 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012. A download of the report is available on the news page.

VNC MEETING RESULTS

The VNC meeting was very favorable. All the board members supported the motion to stop the cell tower. We had a total of 550 petitions and over 60% of them were ATT users. Now it is up to the city planner to decide. We should know the results in the beginning of November. Whomever loses has 15 days to appeal. Stay tuned... 

NEXT STEPS: VNC MEETING ON 10-18-11

Although the outcome was extremely positive at LUCP, we need to keep the momentum going. There is a VNC meeting on 10-18-11 where AT&T will have the opportunity to provide their data and the ruling could possibly be overturned. Our job is to prove to the VNC the validity of our arguments. The best thing we can do as a community is to keep signing/sending petitions and to attend the public meetings to show support.

Please note: If you will be speaking at the meeting, please email or call so we can discuss in advance. It strengthens our situation when each community member discusses a separate point as opposed to repeating the same issue over and over. Believe it or not, mentioning the potential health concerns more than once actually weakens our position. Please keep this in mind.

Thanks.

MOTION TO DENY AT LUPAC

A Motion to deny the project was submitted based on the following reasons. 

1.      Cannot make findings required for variance to VCZSP specifically in over height and not stepped backed properly (violating VCZSP Section 10.G.3.a and Certified Venice Land Use Plan Policy I.A.1 and Exhibits 13-16);

2.      Does not fall within the exception of VCZSP 9.C.2 (not essential building function) that allows for 5 extra feet of height,

3.      Lack of data, including, schematics for ascetics and possible additional square footage, additional coverage required for the new antennae

4.      Failure to present on alternatives or lack of alternatives location.

5.      Overwhelming community opposition, including over 450 signed petitions.

MOTION MADE BY JAKE KAUFMAN, SECONDED BY SARAH DENNISON

PASSED 8-0

LUPC Meeting Results (9-21-11)

Last night was a success. We collected 450 petitions! We are one step closer (but not out of the woods yet).

The proposed AT&T cell tower was heard Wednesday night by the Land Use and Planning Committee (LUPC).  The LUPC will be recommending to the Venice Neighborhood Council at the 18 October meet that the tower not be approved. VNC will discuss and recommend to Planning. The committee was amazed by the sheer numbers of concerned community members who expressed themselves through petitions.  A big thank you to all involved.  

We will continue to accept petitions but more than anything we can use someone with legal or research skills to assist us in prepping for our next meeting.  Also, it is imperative that we have a large attendance on October 18th to drive the point home. Last night there were 8 of us and I know we can do better. Lets close this issue once and for all. Please email or call for details.