Temecula: AT&T Proposes Clock, Faux Palm Tree Wireless Towers

TEMECULA, CA — As part of its efforts to encourage installation of new broadband, fiber optics, wireless and other developing technologies, the Temecula planning commission is poised to approve two AT&T wireless projects Tuesday night.

One project is located within the Temecula Auto Mall at 42069 DLR Drive. It consists of a 50-foot high AT&T wireless telecommunication tower disguised as a faux palm tree.

Several real palm trees are located in the area. "For these reasons, staff has determined that the proposed tower design is appropriate," according to city documents.

The tower will house 12 antennas.

Another project is located at Promenade Medical Plaza on the southeast corner of Margarita Road and North General Kearny Road. City documents show AT&T wants to increase the height of an existing wireless facility at the site from 34 feet to 50 feet so more equipment can be housed. AT&T intends to camouflage the wireless technology by making it look like a clock tower.

On May 11, 2010, city staff did approve an AT&T application to construct a wireless antenna facility within two existing building towers at the Promenade Medical Plaza site. But when the city saw the proposal and renderings — which included a 50-foot tall “mono-eucalyptus” wireless tower — staffers expressed concern about the "lack of quality, camouflage, and realistic appearance of the faux eucalyptus tree."

Rather than go with the fake tree, staff recommended that AT&T instead modify the existing wireless communications facility at the site.

The Temecula Planning Commission meeting begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday. See the full meeting agenda here.