This week, City Staff has received several phone calls, emails and even some discussions over the counter regarding a flier concerning a proposed cellular tower near the Ridgeside reservoir.
While it is true that the City was approached recently by wireless company
consultants, the discussion of additional facilities is very preliminary.
A considerable amount of work will need to be done before the question even
gets to the point of whether it should be considered.
At this point, no commitments have been made. No applications have
been received.
In 2011, the City completely overhauled the Monrovia Municipal Code to
address changes in federal law and court cases where cities were on the losing
end. These actions continued to reduce the ability of local governments’
ability to regulate the location of new wireless facilities. The City’s
wireless regulations are very comprehensive and require a considerable amount
of information and study as part of an application.
Based on the City’s regulations the site at the reservoir as well as another
site at Sawpit Dam are both classified as “discouraged locations” in the Zoning
Ordinance. The installation of any new wireless facilities require a
noticed public hearing process.
As we all rely more and more on wireless service, it is putting a greater
strain on the existing infrastructure. Currently, there are no
cellular facilities in this area of Monrovia and this proposal is being
considered to improve cellular communications for public safety as well as
residential purposes. Again, it is little more than an idea being
floated. If it does move forward, there will be a considerable amount of
outreach, dialog and public input as part of the review process.
Check out our website for more information about wireless communication.
