ITEM 11 - Official web site of the City of Berkeley ...

ITEM 11.C

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What is LTE?

LTE (or Long Term Evolution) represents the latest in wireless technology. Verizon Wireless has made a commitment to bring this 4

th generation service to the Bay Area. LTE will vastly increase data speeds for

wireless handsets and computers. The data speeds offered by LTE will be on par with DSL and cable internet speeds. As such, smaller wireless “hot spots” or isolated WiFi networks will become obsolete, as the entire Bay Area Verizon network will provide customers unprecedented data speeds for personal and business uses. This network upgrade will also increase public safety by enabling users to access up to the minute news and traffic information.

This Project

The addition of LTE technology requires modification to each of Verizon’s sites in the network. This project entails merely the installation of new antennas to accomplish the objective of bringing high speed capabilities to Verizon users in the City of Berkeley.

Since approximately 2004, Verizon has maintained a communications facility on the rooftop of a 1920’s era movie theater now occupied by Phillips Temple Christian Methodist Church. The facility consists of four (4) antennas in four areas on the rooftop. The north facing antenna is concealed within an enclosure designed to resemble a stovepipe. The remaining antennas are located in different positions on the rooftop and painted to blend with the building and surroundings. The equipment is located in a separate ground level equipment shelter at the rear side of the building. The antennas are connected by cables contained within conduits which run up the side of the building and the roof. The conduit tray is designed and painted to match the building. Verizon proposes adding four (4) antennas to the site as follows:

1. One new 2’ antenna will be added next to the existing 2’ antenna located at the

front, south corner of the building. Both antennas will be lowered approximately 2’ to better match the roof line. Both will be painted black to match rooftop.

LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION

REVISED APPLICANT PROJECT SUPPORT STATEMENT

LTE UPGRADE OF VERIZON WIRELESS SITE: ADELINE MLK

3332 ADELINE STREET, BERKELEY CA 94703

ZONING: C-SA

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REVISED APPLICANT PROJECT SUPPORT STATEMENT LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION – STRUCTURAL ALTERATION PERMIT AND DESIGN REVIEW VERIZON SITE: ADELINE MLK

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2. The south facing antenna currently located on the front, south corner of the rooftop

will be lowered and mounted to the south façade of the building. One new antenna will be added and mounted on the wall next to the lowered antenna and both antennas will be painted to match the building.

3. One new antenna will be added next to the existing antenna located at the rear of

the building and painted black to match the rooftop and existing antenna.

4. One new antenna will be added next to the existing antenna which is currently concealed within the existing stovepipe enclosure located on rooftop on the north side of the building. Both antennas will be concealed within the stovepipe enclosure which will be enlarged from 24” to 36” in diameter to accommodate the new antenna.

This site is located in a commercial area which can be characterized as having a primarily urban landscape comprised of office buildings, restaurants, streets and nearby apartments and residential buildings. Rooftop appurtenances are not uncommon in the area and the impact of the proposed modifications upon the scenic quality of the affected environment can be described as negligible.

Verizon has located this site in an area of the City which provides patrons, residents and public service and public safety personnel the best connectivity and signal strength possible. The proposed antenna upgrade is necessary to enhance this service by increasing the speed of data transmissions

Compliance with City Development and Landmark Preservation Commission Standards

This upgrade is consistent with the standards set by the Landmark Preservation Commission for the City of Berkeley and is consistent with Municipal Code section 3.24. The building has served as a site for telecommunication antennas for at least 5 years which has assisted with the building’s preservation and upkeep, thereby benefiting the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the City of Berkeley. The use of the building as a structure for antennas, provides a source of revenue for the landlord which serves to ensure the structure’s continued utility and maintenance. Furthermore, prior to modifications, Verizon conducts a structural analysis of the building to ensure its continued structural integrity and longevity.

Additionally, the proposed modification has been designed to preserve the overall structure and aesthetic features of the building. Verizon’s proposal includes the addition of antennas that are visually the same as the existing antennas and placed next to the existing antennas rather than placed in multiple locations across the rooftop. Further, Verizon’s modifications have been designed to minimize the visual impact and preserve the overall structure of the building to the greatest extent possible. Specifically, the south facing antennas will be no longer extend above the roof line. By moving these antennas from the rooftop to the south façade of the building and painting them to match the wall, visibility is reduced and the aesthetic of the structure maintained. The front facing antennas will be lowered to better match the roofline and reduce their visibility. Two antennas will be entirely concealed within a slightly enlarged enclosure which is designed to look like a stovepipe. The rear facing antennas do not extend above the roofline and are painted to match the existing roofing material. The cable tray is designed and painted to match the exterior of the building and rooftop. These are the least intrusive means for upgrading the facility while at the same time preserving the overall structure and aesthetic of the building. Based on the foregoing, the proposal should be granted because 1) the modification benefits the citizens and public servants who utilize Verizon’s services; 2) the proposal does not conflict with the provisions of the Municipal code; and 3) the proposal is in keeping with the use, preservation and maintenance of the building as a historical site within the City of Berkeley.

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REVISED APPLICANT PROJECT SUPPORT STATEMENT LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION – STRUCTURAL ALTERATION PERMIT AND DESIGN REVIEW VERIZON SITE: ADELINE MLK

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Interference

The project will not interfere with any TV, Radio, Telephone, Satellite, public safety communications or any other signals. Any interference would be against the Federal Law and would be a violation of Verizon’s FCC License.

Notices of Actions Affecting this Development Permit

In accordance with California Government Code Section 65945(a), Verizon requests notice of any proposal to adopt or amend the: general plan, specific plan, zoning ordinance, ordinance(s) affecting building or grading permits that would in any manner affect this development permit. Any such notice may be sent to 2009 V Street, Sacramento, CA 95818.

Construction Schedule

The construction of the facility will be in compliance with all local rules and regulations. The typical duration is less than one month. The crew size will range from approximately 2 to 10 individuals.

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