The city planning board will consider a conditional use permit during their Sept. 23 meeting for Verizon Wireless to construct a “concealed telecommunication facility” within Dudley Anderson Park.

The park is located at 701 33rd S. S. is about six acres with the recently rehabilitated water tank behind Fuddruckers and the U.S. Post Office.

Verizon is proposing to install a 60-foot “monopine,” which is a telecommunications tower designed to resemble a pine tree, on the north end of the park.

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The project includes moving an existing concrete pad, constructing a 15-foot paved driveway and constructing a sectured 45-foot by 35-foot fenced area within which Verizon will house ground support equipment including a backup generator, fuel storage tank, electrical meters, utility mounting structures and a walk-in enclosure for telecommunications hardware, according to the city staff report.

Verizon previously had wireless antennas on the water tank that were installed in 2010, but had to be removed in 2024 for the tank rehabilitation project.

Verizon has had a “cell on wheels” temporary device in the park to maintain cell service, according to the staff report.

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In their permit application, Verizon wrote that the proposed monopine is “intended as a permanent solution to meet emergency communication requirements, comply with FCC regulations, and support ongoing customer service needs in the area,” according to the staff report.

Since it’s parkland, the proposed facility requires a conditional use permit under city zoning regulations.

As proposed, staff are recommending conditions limiting the height to 60-feet, requiring a separate height variance approval, a formal lease agreement with the city before building permits are issued, design restrictions and the secure fence.

The proposed lease agreement is for five years for $30,000 in the first year.

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The lease allows for two automatic five-year extensions unless Verizon gives written notice to terminate at least three months prior to the end of the term.

The rent payment for the second year, and each year thereafter, including any and all extension terms, is 103 percent of the preceding year.

The lease prohibits Verizon from allowing other wireless providers from using the monopine without written mutual agreement with the city.

The Park and Recreation Advisory Board reviewed the request in March and April, initially asking Verizon to find an alternative location in the nearby commercial district or a less visible area within the park.

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In April, Verizon told the board that the intended coverage area is the residential district north of the park and moving the tower father south to the commercial area of 10th Avenue South would compromise the coverage and require a 100-foot structure.

At that meeting, the park board recommended approval of the monopine on the north side of the park with a 60-foot height restriction.

Neighborhood Council 9 considered the proposal in April, but tabled it pending receipt of a rendering, findings from the park board and due to low public attendance.

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Council members told staff that they knocked on residents’ doors to share information and get feedback about the proposed monopine.

In May, the council voted to recommend approval of the project.

City staff mailed notices of the Sept. 23 planning board meeting to property owners within 300 feed of the park, greater than the code required 150 feet.

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Staff received public comments about the potential impact to property values, safety and health risks to children and animals and the tower’s proximity to the play structure and pool.

Staff is recommending approval of the conditional permit request.