Cell Tower Approval Raises Health Concerns

The planning commission unanimously approved development on Oct. 4 of a T-Mobile cell phone tower on the roof of a condominium complex on 320 Vallejo Dr.

T-Mobile will install five antennas, four 6-feet tall and one 12-feet tall, above the four-story building. The company wants to upgrade its coverage area in Millbrae and the vicinity, and chose this location because of its high elevation. 

The Millbrae Heights Homeowners Association, comprised of owners of 320 Vallejo Dr., voted to approve a lease with T-Mobile for an undisclosed amount. The parties have been discussing the project for the last two years.

"I'm a little bit disappointed that we weren't contacted or involved in the process, and T-Mobile just went around today to actually contact people," said Charles Taylor of 281 Vallejo Ct.

Taylor, who lives across the street from the complex, also questioned the antenna's aesthetics.

T-Mobile representative Greg Guerrazzi said the company considered other locations and different tower designs, and it chose the most feasible and visually pleasing.

Guerrazzi visited 30 residences on the day of the planning commission meeting, Oct. 4, and of the 15 people he talked to, five approved the project.

Peggy Yan, owner of one of the 117 units at 320 Vallejo Dr., shared her concerns over cell tower health risks with the homeowner's association, but said they failed to assuage her fears.

"My concern is the health issue. Being a cancer survivor, I would hate to see others go through that," said Theresa Adams, who lives about a block away.

According to Millbrae municipal code 10.05.1310, a permit cannot be issued if an establishment, maintenance or operation is detrimental to the health, safety, morals, comfort and general welfare of the persons living in the neighborhood.

"I haven't heard any ill effects from any other cell phone tower projects that have come before this board," said planning commissioner Wayne Lee.

In addition, the federal government prohibits state and local governments from limiting cell tower installments based on environmental or health reasons, according to section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Scientists debate the health effects. An April 2010 British Medical Journal study showed no correlation between cell phone tower proximity and elevated cancer rates, but a January 2008 Austrian government study linked cancer clusters to towers.

"Some people are really sensitive. They have body aches, nausea and they cannot work," said Christine Hoch, executive director of Moms for Safer Wireless, a nonprofit organization devoted to educating the public on the adverse impacts of wireless communication.

While some residents were concerned about the health aspects, the majority iterated the lack of communication with neighbors regarding the project.

"I'm a little disturbed. This whole project, I've heard nothing about," Al De Santolo, who's been living at 130 Conejo Dr. since 1960, said. "This is a commercial enterprise that's going into a residential area, and that bothers me. What would stop me from putting up four towers on my property?"

The homeowner's association meets once a month, and the cell tower has been on the agenda since Jan. 14, according to association board member Maureen Cowley.

"We posted notices a week in advance in 17 different areas," Cowley said. "One of our first concerns was health reasons, and the question was addressed. Unfortunately, we have very low turnouts at the meetings."

The Manor Association, that manages the Millbrae Heights Homeowners Association, did not return numerous phone calls for comment.

Additionally, the city decided not to conduct an environmental impact report because it claims the project is exempted under section 15301(b) of California Environmental Quality Act.

However, the exemption claimed refers only to utility companies that provide electricity, natural gas and sewerage, not residences.

CEQA officials don't enforce these types of exemptions, according to CEQA Assistant General Counsel Heather Baugh.

"Someone has to appeal the planning decision and say 'we don't really think this [exemption] applies'," she said.

The permit issued to T-Mobile is valid for 10 years, and the wireless company submitted a check for $6,983 to the city for permit fees.

"People have 10 days to appeal our decision, and then it goes in front of the city council," said Catherine Quigg, head of the planning commission. 

Quigg said no other cell tower projects in Millbrae have been appealed.

City Planner David Petrovich did not return numerous phone calls for comment.

Click Here for a list of cell phone towers in Millbrae.