Controversial cell tower plan moved to Folsom Ranch park

Facing a mobilized army of neighborhood opposition, city officials agreed last month to move a controversial cell tower project to a nearby park site in growing Folsom Ranch south of Highway 50. A proposed AT&T 65-foot monopole cell tower disguised as a tree was first heard by the Folsom Planning Commission in July and again in October. Hundreds of Folsom Ranch residents joined in opposition to the street location at Savannah Parkway and Grand Prairie Road. At the October meeting, the developer then compromised by changing to an alternative 56-foot, stealth water tower design. After more opposition, the commission agreed in October to table the item to study a future park site. AT&T Mobility suggested the tower could be temporarily located at the future "Community Park East" and perhaps moved later to stadium light poles or other spots in the park. The Folsom Parks & Recreation Commission reviewed the idea to relocate the tower. As the park is developed in coming years, the tower could either stay or be moved again, depending on the park design. The Parks & Rec board recommended approval in November, followed by the planning commission Dec. 18. "I want to thank the planning commission for thinking creatively," said opposition leader Lisa McCabe. The Russell Ranch resident said more than 600 neighbors south of the freeway rallied against the street location. Letters to the city were primarily related to radio frequency exposure, the nearby elementary school, height and blocked views for uphill residents, staff said. There were also concerns over loss of property values, a perceived overconcentration of infrastructure and a lack of reasoning why alternate sites were rejected. The tower would remain "co-locatable," meaning it can handle additional cellular providers. The applicant still proposes to include a 900 square-foot area surrounded by an eight-foot fence at the base for equipment and backup generator. The park site is just south of the SMUD substation, where the cell tower was originally proposed. The parcel is about 26 acres bordered by open space and Savannah Parkway. The applicant worked with Parks & Rec staff to find a location on the future community park site that would minimize impacts to the layout of the park with sports fields, courts, pools and trails, staff said. "Compared to the original project site, the proposed location at the future park is less visually prominent, as it is not located at a major intersection," staff said in the report. "Furthermore, since it will be relocated in the future to a sports lighting pole or to another unused portion of the park, it will eventually be even less visually prominent." Even with reduced height and less conspicuous location, nearby residents will continue to see the water tower. However, staff agreed the camouflage and new location don't result in a substantial visual impact to surrounding homes.