Commission Approves Tower at Sports Village; City to Monitor Security and Aesthetics

Planning commissioners approved zoning modifications on Feb. 19 to permit a radio tower at 9001 Ash Road in the Sports Village. Staff said the proposed site is currently used as overflow parking and was identified in coordination with the city’s Recreation & Parks Department as the least intrusive option for tower placement. The Planning Commission’s vote was moved by Vice Chair Biddle and seconded by Commissioner Brent Oliver; the motion passed with Commissioners Kaur and Veil absent.

Staff and Federal Engineering explained the existing nearby tower belongs to a privately owned tower company and could not be reused because it is structurally insufficient to carry the new public‑safety antennas and associated equipment. Commissioners asked about security for the site given late‑night park activity; staff said the immediate plan calls for a fenced, locked enclosure and that additional security measures could be considered if warranted.

Commissioners praised coordination with Recreation & Parks and directed staff to pass on concerns about site security to the departments responsible for park management. The action authorizes zoning modifications only; the applicant must complete standard permitting, engineering and construction steps and follow up on any interagency agreements for site maintenance and security.