Verizon Proposes New 21-Foot Towers for Better Service Near Novato
URGENT UPDATE: Verizon has just announced a proposal to enhance cellphone service for commuters along Highway 101, aiming to replace two existing cell towers with new, taller 21-foot towers on a hillside near Novato, California. This development is currently under review by Marin County planners, and a decision is expected by March 2024.
The site, located on a 465-acre property owned by the Corda ranching family, has been identified as crucial for improving cellular connectivity in the area. Chris Durand, a contractor for Verizon, emphasized that these new towers, while described as “popsicle sticks” or “masts,” will significantly increase service coverage for residents and travelers alike.
The existing structures will be replaced with two taller steel towers in the same location, which are designed to enhance service across a network that typically covers 2 to 5 miles, depending on signal frequency and terrain. Kristin Drumm, a county planner overseeing the project, confirmed that the facility was first approved in 1997 but is now being updated to meet modern communication demands.
The proposed site is strategically positioned north of the Redwood Landfill and Recycling Center, just south of the county line at San Antonio Creek. “The purpose of the site is definitely to cover Highway 101,” Durand stated, highlighting its importance for the commuting public.
Currently, the area features two light gray poles surrounded by chain-link fencing. Drumm noted that the project is under careful evaluation, with the county required to issue a decision within 150 days unless additional information is requested. “I have requested additional information from the applicant,” she said, indicating that the review process is ongoing.
Verizon’s plans come with a focus on safety, as a report filed with the county outlines the expected exposure levels for those near the antennas. It notes that a typical person standing within 76 feet of the antennas could encounter unsafe exposure levels, but those levels drop significantly beyond that distance, remaining below the Federal Communications Commission’s most stringent safety guidelines.
Drumm anticipates that the project could receive approval early next year, fostering hopes for improved service that benefits residents and travelers in the region. “The project is still under review,” she reiterated, as the community awaits the final decision.
This potential upgrade has significant implications for daily commuters and local residents who rely on reliable cellphone service, making it a vital development in the area. As the proposal moves forward, it highlights Verizon’s commitment to enhancing connectivity in underserved regions.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and the county’s decision approaches.
