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Politics & Government

Dual Appeals Over Cell Tower Decision

Cell tower applicant and neighbors of proposed site both file appeals to the Milpitas City Council.

John Ozag, who lives on South Abel Street in the KB Homes complex, filed his appeal with the city clerk's office in opposition to the Milpitas Planning Commission's approval of a proposed cell tower.

The tower would be placed at Fire Station No. 1. Ozag cites serious health concerns over electromagnetic radiation near families and children.

The applicant, Capital Telecom, also filed its appeal over the reduced height from 80 to 60 feet allowed by the commission. It said the shorter structure would reduce the coverage area and the number of service providers.

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In his letter to the planning department, Scott Von Rein, Capital Telecom's director of site development, said the planned 80-foot tower is designed to accommodate four service carriers.

The first provider, AT&T, will have its antennas occupying the uppermost tier in the tower, which can accommodate four cellphone service companies in all.

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At the planning commission's public hearing on Aug. 24, several residents from 700 and 800 S. Abel St. were among those who spoke in opposition to the tower over health concerns according to the meeting minutes.

William Hammett of Hammett and Edison Consulting Engineers said the proposed tower design meets the federal public exposure standards approved by Congress in 1996.

When will the City Council hear these appeals? City Clerk Mary Lavelle said, β€œI can't say precisely when, but the council has to hear this within 60 days.”

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