UPDATE: Verizon has just announced a proposal to enhance cellphone service for commuters along Highway 101 near the Marin-Sonoma border. The plan, currently under review by Marin County planners, aims to replace two existing cell towers with taller, 21-foot structures on a hillside east of the highway.
The proposed site is located on a 465-acre property owned by the Corda ranching family in unincorporated Novato. According to county documents, this upgrade is crucial for improving connectivity in a region that has faced challenges with mobile service.
Chris Durand, a contractor with Verizon, emphasized the need for the new infrastructure. “We really don’t call it a tower; we call it a popsicle stick or a mast,” he said. The application includes plans to replace six antennas, upgrade two concrete foundations, and install additional equipment to enhance service quality.
Kristin Drumm, a county planner overseeing the application, stated that the wireless facility was initially approved in 1997. The current poles are visible from the highway, situated north of the Redwood Landfill and Recycling Center. Drumm noted, “The project is to improve service,” highlighting its importance for local commuters and residents.
Durand explained that the new towers will provide better coverage along Highway 101, operating like a network of honeycombs. Their signal range typically extends between 2 to 5 miles depending on the frequency used and the surrounding terrain.
In a related report, concerns were raised about electromagnetic exposure levels near the antennas. The report indicated that a person standing within 76 feet of the antennas could be exposed to unsafe levels, but beyond that distance, exposure would remain below the Federal Communications Commission’s stringent limits. “The antennas are mounted on tall poles and therefore not accessible by the general public,” the report stated.
As the project progresses, Drumm confirmed that the county is required to make a decision on the permit application within 150 days unless additional information is requested. “The project is still under review, and I have requested additional information from the applicant,” Drumm added.
Although the Marin County Community Development Agency has yet to schedule a hearing, Drumm anticipates that the project could receive approval by early March 2024.
This development is significant not just for local commuters but also for enhancing connectivity in the broader region. As Verizon continues to push for better service, the implications for daily travelers on Highway 101 could be substantial.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and expect a decision from county officials in the coming months.
