04-24-1991 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 11, 1991 Hellerman reported that U.S. West has a Arden Hills, antennas on the White Bear tank, its own tower east of downtown St tower on top of a building in Roseville shared tower in Lake water . Paul, and a DeLonais asked why it is necessary to have so many towers that close together. Hellerman replied that as the number of customers grows more transmitters are needed to serve these customers. U.S. West is planning for the addition of 25 to 28 towers in the Metro area this year. Malloy pointed out that in rural areas taller towers can be constructed to broadcast over larger areas. However, in the Metro area, where there are more customers, there is the need for more capacity and, therefore, more towers. Keis asked if the technology will improve in the next several years to that there is not the need for a lot of towers that are close together. Hellerman replied that this will depend on the speed of technology. Hellerman reported that right now in the downtown Minneapolis area along the major freeway system, towers need to be 6 /10's of a mile apart. In this area towers will eventually be 1 1/2 to 2 miles apart at maximum density. Kellerman reported that the tower being requested is part of U.S. West's planning cycle for the next 3 to 5 years. It is anticipated that the next tower for this area will be needed in the 35E/694 area. Garske asked what happens when U.S. West is unable to get more tower space. Malloy responded that they have not run into this problem as yet. In urban locations U.S. West tries to locate antennas on buildings or water towers, and tries to build as few towers as possible. Towers are always located in commercial /industrial or warehouse areas. Keis asked if the antennas could be mounted on the City's water tower. Page 3