URGENT UPDATE: Verizon has just announced plans to enhance cellphone service along Highway 101 near the Marin-Sonoma border. The company is seeking approval to replace two existing cell towers with taller, 21-foot steel towers on a hillside in unincorporated Novato, a decision that could significantly improve connectivity for commuters in the area.
The Marin County planners are currently reviewing the proposal, which involves replacing the two steel towers located on a 465-acre property owned by the Corda ranching family. According to county documents, the site has been home to wireless facilities since 1997, and Verizon aims to modernize the infrastructure to enhance service quality.
Kristin Drumm, a county planner overseeing the project, confirmed that the new towers will be situated on the same footprint as the existing structures, which are visible from Highway 101, just north of the Redwood Landfill and Recycling Center. “The project is to improve service,” Drumm stated. The new installations will also include six antennas, upgraded concrete foundations, and additional equipment to support enhanced connectivity.
Verizon contractor Chris Durand described the current towers as outdated, referring to them playfully as “popsicle sticks.” He emphasized that the upgrades will offer better coverage, improving signal strength across a range of 2 to 5 miles depending on various factors. “The purpose of the site is definitely to cover Highway 101,” he added.
The proposed site is remote and surrounded by hundreds of acres of open land, significantly distanced from residential areas. Durand noted that it functions as a working cattle ranch, minimizing potential disturbances to nearby homes. This enhancement comes at a critical time as more people rely on mobile services for communication and navigation.
A recent report filed with the county highlights safety considerations regarding radio frequency exposure. It states that while individuals within 76 feet of the antennas might face higher exposure levels, distances beyond that are projected to remain within the Federal Communications Commission’s safety limits. “The antennas are mounted on tall poles and therefore not accessible by the general public,” the report clarifies.
The Marin County Community Development Agency is expected to finalize its decision on the permit application within 150 days. Drumm has indicated that additional information has been requested from Verizon but anticipates the project could receive approval as early as March 2024.
As this proposal progresses, it represents a significant step towards improving mobile connectivity for countless travelers along this busy corridor. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and the community eagerly awaits enhanced service capabilities.
This project not only impacts daily commuters but also reinforces the importance of reliable communication in today’s digital age. The urgency for better connectivity has never been clearer, making every update on this proposal crucial for residents and travelers alike.
