Alki Point antenna appeal decision: Partial victory for neighbors

| Development | Utilities | West Seattle news

The decision is in for the appeal of the city’s approval of a proposal to expand a group of cell-phone antennas atop the Soundcrest Apartments (photo above) at 6609 SW Admiral. (WSB was the only news organization with a reporter at the daylong hearing last month at which neighbors argued their appeal of the decision – here’s our report from that day.) It’s a partial victory for the neighbors – deputy Hearing Examiner Anne Watanabe reversed the “conditional use” approval, saying the applicants didn’t present information to show if this was truly the “least intrusive” location possible for the antennas, consistent with city code. However, she affirmed the “determination of nonsignificance” under SEPA (a state environmental law). We’ll be reading through for further details; we’ll also be seeking opinion from the applicants as to what they plan to do next. Meantime, here’s the full text of the Hearing Examiner’s decision. ADDED 4 PM: Jim Borrow, the neighbor who led the appeal presentation in the Hearing Examiner’s hearing room at the Municipal Tower last month, tells WSB he’s still reviewing the decision.

wsangel November 17, 2008 (10:40 pm)

You guys are great. So appreciate all the work you do to bring the community these reports.

Just wish there was a way to easily communicate with council, etc and indicate our feelings on these things. It does not seem that the government ever considers the aesthetics of the issue and the aesthetics are a major factor that make our communities enjoyable to live in – besides all the great folks that live here which is a major factor in making the community great!
Thanks again for all of your work. You rock!

WSB November 17, 2008 (10:54 pm)

Thanks for the kind words.
There really is a way to deliver feedback – we have worked with/met most of the councilmembers in our past year of doing this full time (we were in Seattle media for many, many years before that, but in a managerial role, so we didn’t get to interact in person with nearly as many people as we do now) and most of them are more accessible/responsive than you might guess. I would suggest for one if you have some strong feelings on planning issues around these things, write to Sally Clark, who runs the Neighborhoods/Land Use Committee. (One West Seattleite concerned about development called Clark last spring – and wound up getting a walking-tour visit out of the deal:
https://westseattleblog.com/blog/?p=7196
)

Her contact info is here:
http://www.seattle.gov/council/clark/

-TR

Ken Beaulieu November 18, 2008 (7:42 am)

I live on Alki Point and would welcome better cell phone connection. Perhaps a solution would be for the city to allow the antennaes to be placed on top of the nearby water treatment plant (across from Alki Constellation Park). Just a thought…

NIMBY nulu November 18, 2008 (11:43 am)

The government does consider aesthetics.
That is why the proposed addition & consolidation of aerials will be inside a “penthouse” like structure.
NIMBYs don’t like the “ugly” antennas.
So the antennas are to be enclosed.
Now the NIMBYs don’t like the enclosure.
Nobody wants the antennas on their roof, unless they are paid.
Everyone appreciates complete cell phone coverage.
The safety and security it provides trumps all.

Sorry, comment time is over.