Verizon Wireless is exploring alternatives for its telecommunications project originally proposed for a commercial building on downtown Carpinteria. One of those alternatives is the Carpinteria Veterans Memorial Building, pictured.
Verizon Wireless is exploring alternatives for its telecommunications project originally proposed for the top of a commercial building in downtown Carpinteria. One of those alternatives is the Carpinteria Veterans Memorial Building, pictured. Credit: Evelyn Spence / Noozhawk photo

The Carpinteria Planning Commission review of a controversial Verizon Wireless telecommunications project has been pushed back again, as Verizon continues to explore alternatives to the initial project site.

While a new wireless telecommunications structures would help improve cell service in the downtown Carpinteria area, the proposal to put it on top of and at the back of a commercial building on the 900 block of Linden Avenue has faced backlash.

That building is home to several businesses, including Sushi Teri Restaurant, Whimsy Antiques, and Pacific Health Foods, a health food store.

Opponents of the project — including the owners of Pacific Health Foods — argued that putting the telecommunications structure there would harm their business.

Some have said at public meetings that the radio frequency energy would hurt the customers. Per the World Health Organization, exposure to wireless technology is not linked to adverse health effects.

The owners, Whitney and Nathan Noll, have also said that parts of the building are structurally unsound and would not support the antenna equipment and related structures.

A proposal from Verizon Wireless to put telecommunications structures on top of a commercial building in downtown Carpinteria, pictured, has faced backlash. Verizon is currently exploring other alternatives, city staff said Monday.
A proposal from Verizon Wireless to put telecommunications structures on top of a commercial building in downtown Carpinteria, pictured, has faced backlash. Verizon is currently exploring other alternatives, city staff said Monday. Credit: Evelyn Spence / Noozhawk photo

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Roy Lee in February offered to help Verizon explore an alternate location they had previously looked at, but dismissed: the top of the Veterans Memorial Building, a county-owned building on Walnut Avenue.

The commission’s review was continued to April, then June, after Verizon put a hold on all of its projects.

On Monday, city principal planner Bret McNulty said Verizon has now requested the review be bumped to December. While the hold has been lifted, Verizon needs more time to explore and review alternative locations, per McNulty.

Planning Commissioner Alexandra VanAntwerp asked what alternatives were being actively considered.

McNulty said the Chrisman California Islands Center at 4994 Carpinteria Ave. has been discussed, as well as the building that hosts the Nugget at 892 Linden Ave. Verizon representative Celeste Magennis confirmed they are also looking at the Veterans Memorial Building.

The Planning Commission’s December meeting is set for Dec. 7.

— Noozhawk South County editor Evelyn Spence can be reached at espence@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.