Tonight, the city council will revisit a proposal by Verizon Wireless to erect an antenna on an existing PG&E tower.
A public hearing July 11 drew threats of a lawsuit if the city granted neighbors’ appeal, thwarting the company’s plans.
Since then, the telecommunications giant examined 10 potential alternatives to the facility, a private residential lot at 814 Carter Acres Lane.
The antenna would provide wireless coverage in parts of the Alhambra Valley without service. Neighbors voiced concerns about property values and health and safety concerns.
A lawyer for Verizon said the proposed addition posed no significant impact on the surrounding homes and dismissed concerns about radiation. In addition, Paul Albritton told the council members that since the city already approved a T-Mobile antenna on the site, they may be courting a lawsuit.
“That can constitute discrimination under the telecommunications act,” Albritton said.
But Ari Lauer, a lawyer for the neighbors, rebuffed the claim, saying the courts have upheld discrimination based on zoning regulations.
Resident Christine Charmer said residents had only acquiesced to the T-Mobile antenna because they were promised it would be the only one.
The Martinez City Council meets at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 525 Henrietta St.
