Noisy Telecommunication Facilities In San Carlos Leave Many Residents Bothered.

Many San Carlos residents have taken issue with the noise disturbances caused by telephone provider facilities in their city.

Residents claim maintenance workers work on the facilities outside normal hours, that there is visual clutter, and the proximity to adjacent backyard is too close.

There is a history of noise complaints dating to 1996, according to city records. The city contracted with acoustical engineers Illingworth and Rockin, Inc – for three days. Readings were taken on site on April 9, 2010 and May 2, 2010.

The stations are located on the knoll on the northside of Shelferd and Buckland Ave. where AT&T, PG&E, Comcast, are located, along with two water companies with tanks, and three telecommunication providers, shared by emergency providers. As an overhead, this is private property owned by john strom. 

On July 26, the city council held separate public hearings to consider suspension or revocaton of four conditional use permits for wireless providers. 

One month later, a meeting was held, attened by Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, Nextetll, PG&E, Comcast, and AT&T. Also in attendance were property owners Cal Watrer and the Mid-Peninsula Water District.

According to city records, each provider and utility explained what their business was, and how often they're on the site. It was an opportunity for community members to ask question

The original pole dates back to World War II, said the documents. No. of residents of Anchor Lane have spoken out at council meetings, many of whom asked, "Who bears the expense?"

"The problem was the noise was caused by fans," said one San Carlan who asked not to be named.  "There were 100 degree temperatures and if those cabinets were in my house, they would heat it all year long. That cabinet is the reverse of green. They have been out of compliance for years. Our planning deptartment has not been protecting the rights of our citizens and have been protecting the antenna companies."

According to Interim City Manager Jeff Maltbie and City Attorney Greg Rubens,  the city does not generate any revenue from these providers, with the exception of any code enforcement costs, regulatory costs, and hearings cost.

At the most recent city council meeting, it was suggested to extend the use permits only until the summer when our zoning update will take place.