Clairemont Community Planning Group Meeting Recap (April 2026)

Clairemont Mesa Community Planning Group Meeting Recap (April 21, 2026)

This is a recap of the Clairemont Mesa Community Planning Group meeting held on April 21, 2026. Here are the key updates that may impact Clairemont residents.

Agenda Item: Gershwin Park Cell Tower

The main topic of discussion was the proposed AT&T cell tower at Gershwin Park (3549 Conrad Avenue).

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Summary

Residents raised a wide range of objections. More than 30 attendees spoke, focusing on safety, health, environmental, and community impact concerns.

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Health & Safety Concerns

• Concerns about radiation exposure, especially for children and families with disabilities
• Questions about fire risk due to the tower being disguised as a eucalyptus tree
• Concerns about evacuation challenges during wildfires, given limited exit routes

Location & Community Impact

• Questions about why a family-oriented park was selected
• Suggestions to use commercial areas or multiple smaller towers instead
• One resident reported approximately 50 daily park users, emphasizing its importance
• Concerns about property value decline and visual impact (artificial materials, debris)

Technical & Service Questions

• Some residents reported no current service issues
• Claims that 911 calls require minimal bandwidth
• Concerns the tower may support commercial use rather than emergency needs
• Suggestion to explore portable antenna alternatives

Fairness, Transparency & Community Benefit

• Concerns that revenue goes to the city’s general fund, not Clairemont
• Estimated city revenue: approximately $2,000 per month
• Suggestions for AT&T to contribute directly to the community

Legal & Regulatory Points

• One speaker cited guidance suggesting towers be approximately 0.7 miles from residential areas
• Reference to federal legislation (HR 2289) regarding limited carrier choice

Organizing & Advocacy

• Proposal to form a group and hire legal counsel
• Plans for door-to-door outreach

New Member Elected to the CCPG Board

Bob Scott, with a background in land use development, was elected to the board.

Meeting Outcome

• A motion to deny the project passed almost unanimously
• A disruptive attendee was removed with agreement from those present

About the Planning Group

The Clairemont Mesa Community Planning Group meets at 6 pm on the third Tuesday of each month at the Cathy Hopper Friendship Center. These volunteer-led groups advise the City of San Diego on land use, development, and community planning issues.