Following our previous report on the controversial approval of an AT&T FirstNet cell tower project, the Rio Linda/Elverta community is mobilizing to demand a fair resolution.
Just two days ago, this newspaper exposed the alleged bait-and-switch tactics employed by Sacramento County planning staff. The initial project presented to the Rio Linda/Elverta Community Planning Advisory Council (CPAC) described a “broadleaf monopole” tower, offering a degree of camouflage. However, the project ultimately approved by the Planning Commission involved a bare aluminum structure, significantly altering the visual impact.
This change, made without community input or CPAC approval, has sparked outrage. The Rio Linda/Elverta Neighborhood Association and Chamber of Commerce have joined forces, expressing concern that this sets a dangerous precedent for future development projects. They fear this incident could negatively impact both the community and local businesses.
John Todd, publisher of RioLindaOnline.com, has taken action by sending a letter directly to Supervisor Sue Frost, Planning Commission Chair Justin Raithel, and Planning Director Todd Smith. The letter, co-signed by both the RLE Neighborhood Association and the RLE Chamber of Commerce, requests a review of two key issues:
- Disregarded CPAC Vote: The letter calls for a re-examination of the CPAC meeting, where a clear “no” vote was allegedly disregarded by the planning representative.
- Unapproved Project Change: The letter seeks an explanation for the unauthorized alteration of the project plans, specifically the removal of the camouflaged “broadleaf monopole” design.
The email was sent today at noon, and the community waits in anticipation of a response that addresses these concerns and ensures a fair and transparent development process in the future.
See the letter text below:
Supervisor Sue Frost
700 H Street, Suite 2450
Sacramento, CA 95814
Justin Raithel, Chair
Sacramento County Planning Commission
700 H Street, Suite 2450
Sacramento, CA 95814
Director Todd Smith
Senior Planner Leanne Mueller
Planning and Environmental Review
827 7th Street, Room 225
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Supervisor Frost, Chair Raithel, Director Smith, and Planner Mueller,
On January 24, 2024, the Sacramento County Planning Department presented project PLNP2023-00155, a FirstNet AT&T Public Safety Wireless Communication Facility, to the Rio Linda/Elverta Community Planning Advisory Council (CPAC) for review.
The CPAC council members carefully considered the project, heard public input from both supporters and opponents, and subsequently voted on the matter. With one member absent, six members were present. The vote resulted in four against and two in favor of the project, clearly indicating the CPAC’s disapproval.
Despite this clear outcome, Planner Mueller proceeded to conduct additional votes, leading to confusion among council members about the purpose of these repeated ballots. Ultimately, a final vote of 6-0 in favor of the project was recorded. This sequence of events raises serious concerns about the integrity of the voting process and the respect given to the CPAC’s initial decision.
Moreover, the project approved by the Sacramento County Planning Commission differs significantly from the one presented to the Rio Linda/Elverta community. While the original planning packet repeatedly referenced a “broadleaf monopole,” planning staff arbitrarily removed the proposed camouflage, presenting a bare 80-foot aluminum pole to the commission. This alteration means the commission approved a project vastly different from what was presented to and rejected by the CPAC, as well as to the residents who would be most impacted.
The community is deeply troubled by this unilateral change in project specifications, particularly given that it was made without notifying those who will live in close proximity to the facility. We believe the CPAC’s initial recommendation has been disregarded, and the community’s concerns ignored.
We understand the need for a first-responder cell tower. However, we respectfully request that the Planning Commission vacate its approval of this project and return it to the CPAC for reconsideration. We propose that the CPAC be provided with complete and accurate project plans and specifications, and that this information be shared with residents living within 500 feet of the proposed site.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
Stacey Bastian, Chair
John Todd, Co-Chair
Rio Linda/Elverta Neighborhood Association
914 Oak Lane #3
Rio Linda, CA 95673
Wendy Stirnaman, President
Rio Linda/Elverta Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 75
Rio Linda, CA 95673
