New cellular tower at Padre Gold/American Legion Post dedicated, honoring of those who serve

Linda Vista dedicated a new clock tower on Thursday, September 8, 2011 to the men and women who serve our community and country.  Built by Verizon to replace an existing 76' wireless monopole facility, the new tower has become a local landmark at the intersection of Linda Vista Road and Genesee Avenue and represents a new chapter in community-corporate cooperation. 

Joining residents and members of the Linda Vista Planning Group in celebration were:
• San Diego Councilwoman Lorie Zapf
• CAPT Scott Adams, USN, Commanding Officer of Naval Base Point Loma
• CAPT Walt Vasquez, Commanding Officer, SDPD Western Division
• SGT Ed Harris, San Diego Lifeguard Services
• CAPT Tim Atkins & Engine Company #23, San Diego Fire Department
• Tim Orozco, Office of Assemblywoman Toni Atkins
• Tom Kaye, President of the Linda Vista Town Council
• Bill D’Agostino, Executive Director of Network Verizon Wireless
• Fr. Michael Pham, Holy Family Catholic Church

The color guard was provided by Kearny High Education Complex (Jake White, Carlos Pulido, Sam Althoff and Trevor Thompson under the direction of Dallas Poynter) and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by planning group member and VFW Auxiliary Jr Vice President for the 1st District of California Dixie Wilson.  The invocation and blessing of the tower was given by Fr. Michael Pham of Holy Family Parish, followed by remarks from Councilwoman Lorie Zapf , Captain Scott Adams of the Pt. Loma Naval Base, and Bill D'Agostino of Verizon. 

Ribbon cutting ceremony   (Left to right: Tom Cleary, Bill D'Agostino, Fr. Michael Pham, Councilwoman Lorie Zapf, Captain Scott Adams, Tom Kaye)

Background

The original 76' monopole with panel antennas and a microwave dish was approved by the city in 1995 under a 20-year Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 590322 and a Planned Development Permit (PDP) No. 318510. This facility is near a major interesction and gateway to the Linda Vista community.  It is located at 7245 Linda Vista Road on private property owned by American Legion Post 731 and operated Padre Gold, Inc.  The property is zoned CC-1-3 that allows a maximum height limit of 45'.  The CUP expired in September 2005 and the community unsuccessfully sought to reduce the height of the wireless facility.  See report to Planning Commission (PC-10-017) for additional backgound.

After several years, LVPG eventually compromised with wireless providers on a design to replace the monopole with a landmark-style tower that conceals the antennas and microwave dish.  Given the property is owned by the American Legion and is across the street from housing for active-duty military personnel and their families, the intent was to create a memorial dedicated to those who serve our country past, present and future.  This project is scheduled to be completed soon and a ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 10:00AM.  The public and local residents are invited to attend.

The new cell tower will also have new screening walls and additional landscaping around the property.  View complete site plans here.