The Yucca Valley Planning Commission had expected, and unexpected news in its meeting last night. In the surprise column, Commissioner Vickie Bridenstine announced that last night was her last meeting as a planning commissioner, as she had accepted a job with an engineering firm that she felt would pose a conflict of interest with her position on the planning commission. Managing editor Tami Roleff fills in the not-so-surprising results of the meeting…
Despite receiving at last night’s meeting more than 100 signatures on a petition, dozens of letters in protest, impassioned pleas, and even tears by neighboring residents, the Yucca Valley Planning Commission reluctantly voted 4-1, with Commissioner Jeff Evans opposed, to approve a proposed Verizon cell phone tower on the southwest corner of Sage and Aberdeen Avenues in the Yucca Mesa area. Residents complained that the cell phone tower was too close to their homes, that the tower would ruin the views of Pipes Canyon, and that if an earthquake toppled the tower, it could block Aberdeen Avenue.
Resident Mike Hayward reminded commissioners who they are supposed to represent. “Please remember that we are residents of Yucca Valley, and you represent us, not a big business like Verizon. The community and neighborhood concerns should be paramount.”
However, commissioner after commissioner said while they sympathized with the residents, their primary responsibility was to property rights. They added that even if Verizon moved the tower to a different site on the 40-acre parcel, or even to a different parcel, they’d still be hearing the same arguments, only from different residents.
Chair Steve Whitten said since Verizon had met all the requirements to install the 52-foot-tall cell phone tower disguised as a water tower, the commissioners had no choice but to approve it. “It is our responsibility as planning commission to make sure we take a look at the big picture. Because every property owner has the right to do with their property as they see fit. Our job is to make sure it’s in regulations and code that govern Yucca Valley. The project does meet everything in the development code; it meets all the requirements.” Commissioner Jeff Drozd reluctantly voted for the project. “With a heavy heart, but bound by the development code, I vote yes.”
YUCCA VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVES CONTROVERSIAL CELL TOWER
