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.

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

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.

We understand that time is limited so if you can't volunteer then please sign the form. Then fax or email it back as soon as possible. We have a very important meeting on September 21st, 2011 and would like to have as many as possible by September 20th.

• The revenue collected for the cell tower does not benefit the community. The money goes into the pocket of The Best Western Hotel.
• The cell tower violates the height regulations outlined by the local ordinances protecting and preserving the beach community from exceedingly tall signs and structures.
• The facility will emit a steady 24/7 stream of  noise and microwave radiation to the surrounding area.
• The Venice / Marina del Rey area is unique. Businesses and residents share a common space. Thus, we need development that supports a common community vision and has everyones best interest in mind.
• The cell tower could potentially interfere with important coastal communications like L.A. County Sheriff’s, Lifeguard’s, and Fire Department.
• Washington Blvd. is already congested and has a lot of traffic. A cell tower will add to the congestion with maintenance trucks and workers.
• Real estate values in the immediate area will drop. People (especially in SoCal) pay attention to things like this.
• As community members we are all required to follow rules and regulations. Why should AT&T be an exception?
• Why should the concerns of AT&T outweigh the concerns of local residents and businesses?

Please email if you are interested in helping. Our deadline for these petitions is 9-21-11 so that doesn't leave us much time.

According to AT&T, this tower will address the issue of “dropped calls” in a 1.5 mile radius around the tower. However, AT&T did not supply any of the dropped call data nor did they explore any alternative locations. The residents at the meeting who use AT&T have expressed that their cell coverage is just fine.

Whitney Blumenfeld, Senior Planning Deputy for Councilman Bill Rosendahl attended the meeting and made a statement on behalf of the community against the proposed tower.

Both sides have been given 30 days to present their findings to the Zoning Board. Fortunately, this will give the community time to mobilize (petitions, letters, research), but it will also give AT&T more time to prepare. No more public hearings are scheduled. If we lose, we have 15 days to appeal.

1) Aesthetics 

2) Use 

3) Height