Las Campanas cellphone tower OK’d

Residents say their lack of coverage is a safety issue

SANTA FE — A planned community that was designed before the words iPhone were even uttered received approval to add a Verizon Wireless cell tower to the area, although its height has yet to be determined.

The Santa Fe County Commission last week unanimously voted to allow a proposed 70-foot Verizon wireless cell tower to be constructed in Las Campanas, an upscale community just north of Santa Fe’s city limits. But hearing officials said the height variance for the tower, which some residents opposed, would be determined at a later date.

The hearing itself centered on an amendment to the Las Campanas master plan, which was originally developed in 1992.

Amy McKenzie of Verizon Wireless said the proposed site for the tower isn’t near any homes and the only people who would be able to see the tower would be those driving by, she said.

McKenzie added that the cell tower would mimic the Pueblo Revival-style architecture of the community, and would have room for a second carrier, such as AT&T, that could use the same structure to expand cell service.

Robert Kiely, speaking on behalf of the Las Campanas community, said the cell tower is a safety issue because the lack of coverage in the area could put people at risk. He said that when he goes hiking on nearby trails, he doesn’t get any cell service.

Kiely said he surveyed area residents and got 401 responses from people living in Las Campanas and 150 responses from those living in surrounding areas. The vast majority of them said they had issues with their cell coverage. He said most respondents voiced support of a cell tower. About 69% of them use Verizon Wireless as their carrier, while 22% use AT&T.

Resident Jan Watson said during the public comment portion of the hearing that she’s lucky if she had one bar of cell service for most of the day. Other days, she doesn’t have service for at least half of the day, she said.

Watson said her home is less than 7 years old, but isn’t wired for a land line, so she depends on her wireless service. She said her neighbor has a friend who lives 10 minutes away and they can’t even talk to each other on their cellphones because of the poor connection.

“It’s a safety and security issue,” she said. “My mother is in assisted living, I need to be on call for her all the time.”

Resident Albert Antonez, who is also general manager of the private Club at Las Campanas, said the club has over 200 employees who are unable to communicate with each other from different buildings. They’re also not able to call for help if they experience an emergency on the property.