Laserfiche WebLink
ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 17, 1990 <br />ZONING FILE #1588-U.S. WEST NEW VECTOR CONTINUED <br />their present locations. Now the City is being asked to approve <br />a request for a commercial, industrial use in this same area. <br />That is not in keeping with the rural character of the area and I <br />oppose it. I have talked with the U.S. West Engineers. I am <br />convinced that the radiation levels from the tower are acceptable <br />for human exposure. However, I believe that the tower ought to <br />be located in an industrial or commercial area. I believe that <br />locating it in a residential area will reduce property values. <br />The majority of phone transmissions take place with underground <br />or overhead lines. Cellular phones are only used for mobile <br />phone traffic. They may be useful in the event of an emergency, <br />but are used primarily by business people traveling in <br />automobiles. The pattern coverage for this area will not be <br />altered if the tower is located elsewhere." <br />Ms. Karen Anderson, 920 West Wayzata Boulevard, asked if it <br />is a common practice to combine a tax free property such as a <br />church with a commercial use. She also asked if there is <br />sufficient dry buildable land for the tower. <br />Kelley replied, "I don't believe we have combined uses in <br />the manner before." <br />Mr. Hasek stated that he was not aware of the need to <br />provide information regarding the dry buildable area. <br />Mabusth stated that such information was not requested. <br />Kelley asked why it would not be possible to put a 60* tower <br />in Wayzata as opposed to installing a 150' tower three miles <br />away. <br />Mr. Hellerman replied, "That would not efficiently cover the <br />area we must serve." <br />Mr. Uban said, "We are here asking to install a public <br />service structure. It is the height in excess of 65' that <br />creates the need for the Conditional Use Permit." <br />Kelley said, "I disagree that this is a public service <br />structure. Cellular phones are only used by a small number of <br />people who can afford them. I think there is a defined <br />difference between utilities, such as electricity and gas, and <br />Cellular phones." <br />Mr. Uban replied, "Your ordinances address communications." <br />Kelley said, "I know that is what the Ordinances state. It <br />may be necessary to update the Ordinances to take into <br />consideration such new technologies." <br />- 11 -