Application for cell site atop Carmel Valley Library withdrawn

By Karen Billing

A controversial proposed cell site to be housed on the Carmel Valley Library is no longer being considered.

According to Karen Lynch, project manager for the city’s development services department, AT&T withdrew its application because AT&T could not achieve the frequencies necessary to provide in-building coverage for the surrounding area based on the design criteria required by the city’s code.

The proposal had included 13 antennas and 24 new remote radio units mounted inside raised cupola enclosures on the library.

Area residents circulated a petition in opposition of the cell site, arguing that they felt the tower was not only an unsafe location but it would also drastically change the appearance of the library. The cupolas were originally proposed to be 45 feet high, taller than the library’s 41-foot dome. The city had asked for a re-design to lower the height.

AT&T is now searching for an alternate location, Lynch said.