Lafayette Planning Commission Expected To Approve One Heavenly Cell Tower; Consider More

If you're one of those who scan our ridgelines and other "high ground" for the views from time to time you may have noted a sudden increase in the number of metal poles festooned with panels and other whirlygigs going up around town.

The wireless companies, in their push to provide users with uninterrupted cell phone coverage, are sealing deals with local churches and schools to put their equipment up in extant spires and other buildings, making their signals easier to grab.

Although the towers have met with some controversy because of their height and locations, they are popular with the hosting body because the installing company pays to have its equipment in a prime location.

The Lafayette Planning Commission will review but is expected to approve — with conditions — one such tower at St. Anselm's Episcopal Church at its meeting Monday night.

It also is expected to greenlight a request for an upgrade to a wireless station at 1 Rimrock Road and the installation of new "4G" antennas on a utility pole at 3522 Rowe Place.

In addition, commissioners will undertake a review of the city's Downtown Specific Plan. The meeting gets underway at 7 p.m. at the Lafayette Library & Learning Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. See the attached agenda.