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May 13, 2015
Verizon Cellular Antenna at Kite Hill Recreation Center
To Kite Hill Residents:
In early 2013 Verizon approached KHCA with a proposal to locate a cellular antenna at the KH
Recreation Center. The purpose was to improve cellular service to Kite Hill, Alicia Parkway and
surrounding areas. The Board met with Verizon and considered the proposal during many Board
meetings in 2013. The result was a request to Verizon to review the matter with the City of Laguna
Niguel as the City had rejected a similar cellular site around the 2002 -2003 timeframe. In the fall of
2014 Verizon reported that the City was receptive to a formal proposal that could lead to City
approval. Verizon submitted a proposed lease which was reviewed by the Board. The Board retained a
cellular industry advisor to provide lease terms guidance and local competitive market data to aid the
Board in negotiations. The board negotiated for better pricing and more favorable terms. The 2014
Board unanimously approved the improved lease terms and KHCA executed the lease in December,
2014. Verizon executed the lease in February, 2015 and began seeking final approvals from the City.
The Verizon lease provides for the installation of a cellular antenna and small equipment structure at
the Recreation Center. The antenna will be designed to be hidden inside an artificial pine tree called a
monopine. The antenna will occupy a 5 ft. circle near the southeast corner of the tennis courts, in the 34 ft. deep depression adjacent to the point where Recreation Center Drive meets the parking lot. The
monopine tree structure will be 40 – 45 ft. in total height, measured from ground level, which is 3-4 ft.
below the street and sidewalk. The antenna panels on the interior tree structure will be at 32 ft. to the
midpoint and 35 ft. at the top of the panels. The antenna panels will be completely hidden inside a tree
structure with heavy faux foliage that has a natural taper to the top. The steel pole will be clad in a faux
bark material so that the entire tree structure will have a natural appearance and be harmonious with
the other nearby pine trees at the Recreation Center.
The cellular antenna will comply with all FCC emission standards. The small equipment
structure will be located beyond the southern edge of the parking lot, behind the tree line. The
structure will be constructed of slump stone with a wooden trellis roof to match the other equipment
structures at the Recreation Center.
We have posted large photo simulations in the front window at the clubhouse for residents to
view. The photo simulations display 6 views of the antenna and the small equipment structure in place
at KH Recreation Center.
825 N. Park Center Dr., Suite 101, Santa Ana, CA 92705
714-779-1300 Fax: 714-779-3400
www.cardinal-online.com
Verizon Cellular Tower Notification
Page 2
May 11, 2015
Verizon has 3 similar monopine antennas in Orange County that can be viewed for comparison.
Please note that these comparison locations have monopines that are taller than the 45 ft. height to be
used at Kite Hill.
1. Craig Regional Park (northeast corner), 3300 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA
2. Kraemer Memorial Park, 201 N Bradford Ave, Placentia, CA
3. Lemory, 8228 Michigan Ave, Whittier, CA
Current cellular reception in Kite Hill is spotty and unreliable for many. The benefits of the
Verizon cellular antenna include:
1. Better cellular call reception in Kite Hill
2. Better wireless data access in Kite Hill
3. Improved reliability for emergency communications for KH residents.
4. New revenue for KHCA
The terms of the lease provide for monthly lease payments to KHCA in the initial amount of
$28,800 annually with 15% increase every 5 years. Lease payments commence when construction
begins. The lease is in 5 year increments with renewals up to 25 years. At the end of the lease, Verizon
is obligated to remove all structures, including any below grade footings, and to restore the land to
natural condition. During the lease, Verizon is obligated by the lease and the City to maintain the
natural appearance of the tree structure, including the replacement of any discolored or missing tree
elements, faux pine needles and bark cladding. Verizon is also obligated to repair/replace any damage
done during construction and removal. The City of Laguna Niguel must next provide final approval by
both the Planning Commission and then the City Council for the design, location and zoning code
amendments required. Dates for these hearings have not been set, but are likely to be scheduled in the
next month. The City will provide mail notice to Kite Hill residents of the hearing dates.
If residents have questions, please contact the Board via our Manager, Maryanne HurleyCicconi at Cardinal. Her email is: [email protected]. Phone: 714.779.1300; or mail her at
Cardinal’s new office at 825 N. Park Center Drive, Suite 101, Santa Ana, CA 92705.
The Board meets on the 4th Monday of each month at 7:00pm in the Clubhouse. However, due
to the Monday Memorial Day Holiday in May, the Board will next meet on Wednesday, May 27 at
7:00pm. Board meetings are open to KH residents.
KHCA Board of Directors
825 N. Park Center Dr., Suite 101, Santa Ana, CA 92705
714-779-1300 Fax: 714-779-3400
www.cardinal-online.com