T-Mobile Antenna Modification Decision Delayed

Concerned residents and representatives from T-Mobile addressed the Aliso Viejo City Council on Wednesday night about the proposed height increase to existing wireless antennas in a residential area of the city.

The proposal to increase the two existing antennas, located on Moulton Niguel Water District property at 25641 Diamond Gate, from 9 feet to 15 feet concerned residents who live across the street form the property. Although during part of the year leaves from the existing trees will partially block the antenna from view and plans to further hide them with a fake bush are in place, resident Erin O’Gorman said it isn’t a good enough option.

“I don’t want to see a fake tree when I look outside,” she said. “If they make this 6-foot increase, what’s going to stop them from going up 10 feet, or 20?”

O'Gorman and her family presented the council with an alternative, which would place the antenna closer to the 73 Toll Road and would be blocked from residential view by a hillside.

The council, minus council member Greg Ficke—who was absent from the meeting—postponed its decision, asking its staff to gather more information and for the involved parties to work together to find the best solution.

Mayor Don Garcia said that there is never only one option and that he was sure all parties could come to an agreement.

This item will be discussed at their next board meeting on July 18.

OTHER BUSINESS:

— The city council recognized resident Dana Weber for winning the Orange County Vision Quest Mountain Bike Race. The extreme race lasts more than five hours. Weber said he trains locally on the Aliso and Wood Canyons trails five days a week.

— The Aliso Viejo U10 Girls Softball Team was also recognized for their championship win and 20-0 season.