Verizon seeks parks locations for two wireless sites; commission offers feedback

Sonal Thakur, representing Verizon Wireless, told the Corona Parks and Recreation Commission the company is proposing two wireless facilities to fill gaps in the local network: a replacement light standard at Chase Drive in Citrus Park and a 65-foot monopine near the tennis courts at Kellogg Park (referred to in Verizon materials as Garretson). "Because we're utilizing existing infrastructure, we are not utilizing valuable park space," Thakur said, adding that the height of the existing light standard would not change and that antennas would be mounted as flush to the pole as possible.

The Chase Drive concept would replace an 80-foot field light standard with a similarly tall pole capable of carrying three stacked antenna sectors and an equipment enclosure at grade, roughly the size Verizon identified as about 20 by 20 feet; the enclosure would be screened by an 8-foot CMU wall with climbing vines. At Kellogg Park, Verizon proposed reusing an existing equipment shelter and installing a 65-foot monopine with faux branches and 12 painted antennas to blend with nearby trees.

Thakur said engineers modeled coverage for both sites and concluded the installations would substantially increase in-building, in-vehicle and pedestrian signal levels in areas now showing poor coverage. "This improves coverage for the community and first responders," she said, noting the designs are intended to be the least-intrusive option and that the sites are collocatable if additional carriers seek space later.

Commissioners pressed staff and Verizon on impacts, maintenance and community outreach. Commissioner Olsen asked why the Chase Drive location was moved from the parking lot to the center of the park; Thakur said staff and planning requested the location to move away from residential uses and to provide line-of-sight for coverage objectives. Olsen also confirmed with staff that the proposed placement would not interfere with playfields.

Commissioner Munoz raised safety concerns about openings in the equipment enclosure and recommended adding a cage or roofing to deter trespass and keep children out: "I'd like to recommend ... a cage, roofing material," he said. Verizon said the enclosure and any specific security features would be addressed in lease negotiations and could be modified based on commission direction. Verizon also confirmed the backup generator for the Kellogg Park site would be a 30-kilowatt unit, intended for emergency use and scheduled testing.

City staff clarified how lease revenue would be handled: it would be contributed to the city general fund rather than a dedicated parks account. Thakur said both projects were submitted as categorically exempt under CEQA and that planning commission action would be required on design and location before any lease negotiations or council action on a lease agreement.

The commission did not take a formal vote on the proposals; the meeting record shows commissioners provided feedback for planning and design review. If planning commission approves a site and design, Verizon and the City of Corona would begin lease negotiations and any lease terms would later be submitted to city council for formal adoption.