Cell tower fights looms again

The Huntington Beach Planning Commission will review a permit to allow a cell tower in a residential neighborhood next week after upset homeowners appealed the decision.

The Zoning Administrator approved a conditional use permit for a 55-foot T-Mobile cell tower Nov. 4. The tower would be built on the Community United Methodist Church’s property on Heil Avenue and would be disguised as a bell tower.

Residents are upset over the possible health concerns and negative impacts on property values the tower could have. Many have picketed the church on Sundays and circulated a petition against the tower, gathering nearly 350 signatures.

The tower is being built to meet customer demand, according to T-Mobile spokesman Rod De La Rosa.

The city determined the tower “will not be detrimental to the general welfare of persons working or residing in the vicinity,” according to a staff report.

The appeal is expected to go before the commission at 7 p.m. Jan. 26 in Council Chambers at the Civic Center on Main Street.

— Britney Barnes