Commission reviews plan for temporary cell tower in Governors Club open space as neighbors raise visibility, extension concerns

The commission discussed a consent agenda item to allow a temporary wireless tower inside the Governors Club open space. Planning staff told the commission the planning commission recommended approval for a temporary structure with an 18-month permit and that any extension would return to the planning commission in six-month increments.

Several commissioners and nearby residents said they had received letters and remained concerned about visibility, potential extension into a permanent installation, and the visual impact on backyards. One planning staff member described the carriers' network design as a honeycomb and said, "The planning commission approved it for 18 months. Any extensions have to go back to the planning commission in 6 month increments." A commissioner noted the temporary pole is intended to restore prior coverage and is not intended to materially improve service in the long term.

Residents also argued cell service is critical for 911 access and that a short-term outage would be harmful; the record shows opposition from a few homeowners and support letters from others, including the governors club POA president. Staff said the temporary structure would be removed when a permanent solution is found and that a single temporary pole would host two carriers. Commissioners asked for clarity on notification and whether the approved change to open space would revert to green space after removal.