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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFORT COLLINS HIGH SCHOOL, WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIP. (CRICKET) - PDP/FDP - 11-97I - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - PROJECT NARRATIVELucent Technologies Bell Labs Innovations 6855 S. Havana Street, Suite 450 Englewood, CO 80112 (720) 346-1799 Main Number (720) 346-1792 Main Fax Number May 18, 2001 To Whom It May Concern: As the Radio Frequency (RF) Manager for Lucent Technologies, representing Cricket Communications for the Fort Collins/Greeley market, I attest to the following in regards to the proposed wireless communications site located at 3400 N. Lambkin Way, in the City of Fort Collins: 1). The proposed Lucent/Cricket wireless telecommunication facility will comply with all current Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) standards for cumulative field measurements of radio frequency power densities and electromagnetic fields. 2). The proposed Lucent/Cricket wireless telecommunication facility will comply at all times with current FCC regulations prohibiting localized interference with reception of television and radio broadcasts. 3). The proposed Lucent/Cricket wireless telecommunication facility will not interfere with any public safety frequencies servicing the city and its residents. All Lucent base station radios meet or exceed FCC regulations. Sincerer / Tim Heine RF Manager SITE FNL-010A telecommunication equipment, as the best method by which to mitigate and/or camouflage visual impacts. Stealth technology consists of, but is not limited to, the use of grain bins, silos, or elevators, church steeples, water towers, clock towers, bell towers, false penthouses or other similar "mimic" structures. Such "mimic' structures shall have a contextual relationship to the adjacent area. • Cricket Response: The proposed Cricket design will utilize an building to flush mount panel antennas with the BTS equipment located inside the building. By using an existing structure, Cricket is able to avoid building a new wireless telecommunication facility that would have the potential of having an adverse aesthetic impact. Consequently, a stealth application for this site is not necessary i or warranted. li II I I P �I I i I (9) Lighting. The light source for security lighting shall be high pressure sodium and feature down -directional, sharp cut-off luminaries so that there is no spillage of illumination off -site. Light fixtures, whether freestanding or tower -mounted, shall not exceed twenty-two (22) feet in height. • Cricket Response: There is no lighting proposed for this site. (10) Interference. Wireless telecommunication facilities and equipment shall operate in such a manner so as not to cause interference with other electronics such as radios, televisions or computers. • Cricket Response: Please refer to Appendix `B", which is a letter from an RF engineer, that certifies that Cricket will comply with all applicable FCC requirements. (11) Access Roadways. Access roads must be capable of supporting all of the emergency response equipment of the Poudre Fire Authority. • Cricket Response: The proposed Cricket design will not precipitate any changes to access roads to Fort Collins High School. (12) Foothills and Hogbacks. Wireless telecommunication facilities and equipment located in or near the foothills bear a special responsibility for mitigating visual disruption. If such a location is selected, the applicant shall provide computerized, three- dimensional, visual simulation of the facility or equipment and other appropriate graphics to demonstrate the visual impact on the view of the city's foothills and hogbacks. • Cricket Response: Foothills or Hogbacks are not an issue for this site. (13) Airports and Flight Paths. Wireless telecommunication facilities and equipment located near airports and flight paths shall obtain the necessary approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration. • Cricket Response: The proposed wireless telecommunication equipment is not located near an airport or flight path. (14) Historic Sites and Structures. Wireless telecommunication facilities and equipment shall not be located on any historic site or structure unless permission is first obtained from the city's Landmark Preservation Commission as required by Chapter 14 of the City Code. • Cricket Response: The buildings located at 3400 N. Lambkin Way are not part of a designated historic site or structure. (15). Stealth Technology: To the extent reasonably feasible, the applicant shall employ "stealth technology" so as to convert the wireless telecommunication into wireless r For additional information with regards to aesthetic issues, please refer to Appendix "E" to see photo simulations of the proposed site and Appendix "F" for antenna specifications. (4) Landscaping. Wireless telecommunication facilities and ground -mounted wireless telecommunications equipment may need to be landscaped with landscaping materials that exceed the levels established in Section 3.2.1, due to the unique nature of such facilities. Landscaping may therefore be required to achieve a total screening effect at the base of such facilities or equipment to screen the mechanical characteristics. A heavy emphasis on coniferous plants for year-round screening may be required. If a wireless telecommunication facility or ground -mounted wireless telecommunication equipment has frontage on a public street, street trees shall be planted along the roadway in accordance with the policies of the City Forester. • Cricket Response: Since the BTS equipment will be located inside the building, no ground mounted facilities are being proposed. Consequently, no landscaping is necessary. (5) Fencing. Chain link fencing shall be unacceptable to screen facilities. Fencing material shall consist of wood, masonry, stucco or other acceptable materials and be opaque. Fencing shall not exceed six (6) feet in height. • Cricket Response: The only fencing being proposed will be located inside the building. (6) Berming. Berms shall be considered as an acceptable screening device. Berms shall feature slopes that allow mowing, irrigation and maintenance. • Cricket Response: Since the BTS equipment will be located inside the building, no ground mounted facilities are being proposed. Consequently, berming is not necessary. (7) Irrigation. Landscaping and berming shall be equipped with automatic irrigation systems meeting the water conservation standards of the city. • Cricket Response: Since no landscaping is proposed, no irrigation is proposed. (8) Color. All wireless telecommunication facilities and equipment shall be painted to match as closely as possible the color and texture of the wall, building or surrounding built environment. Muted colors, earth tones and subdued colors shall be used. • Cricket Response: The antennas mounted to the building wall will be painted to match the color and texture of the building. The BTS equipment will be located inside the building and thus will be completely screened. I materials, roof form, scale, mass, color, texture and character. Such facilities shall also be compatible with the surrounding natural environment considering land forms, topography, and other natural features. If such facility is an accessory use to an existing use, the facility shall be constructed out of materials that are equal to or better than the materials of the principal use. • Cricket Response: The proposed Cricket design calls for flush mounted panel antennas on the west, north, and east building walls. The antennas will be mounted to the wall as flush as technically possible. The antennas will be painted to match the color and texture of the building wall. This design — flush mounted, painted to match, panel antennas, with the BTS equipment inside the building = is the most architecturally compatible design possible for a wireless telecommunications facility. Please refer to Appendix "E" for photo simulations of the proposal. (3) Wireless Telecommunication Equipment. Wireless telecommunication equipment shall be of the same color as the building or structure to which or on which such equipment is mounted. Whenever a wireless telecommunication antenna is attached to a building roof, the height of the antenna shall riot be more than fifteen (15) feet over the height of the building. All wireless telecommunication equipment shall be located as far from the edge of the roof as possible. Even if the building is constructed at or above the building height limitations contained in Section 3.8.17, the additional fifteen (15) feet is permissible. Whenever wireless telecommunication equipment is mounted to the wall of a building or structure, the equipment shall be mounted in a configuration as flush to the wall as technically possible and shall not project above the wall on which it is mounted. Roof- and ground -mounted wireless telecommunication equipment shall be screened by parapet walls or screen walls in a manner compatible with the building's design, color and material. • Cricket Response: The proposed Cricket design calls for flush mounted panel antennas painted to match the color and texture of the building. Cricket is proposing a total of twelve antennas: four (4) on the north building wall; four (4) on the east building wall; and four (4) on the west building wall. Cricket will initially install six (6) antennas (2 per sector) and will add additional antennas on an as needed basis. However, we are seeking zoning approval for twelve (12) antennas. The antennas will not be mounted on the roof, they will be mounted on the building wall. They will be mounted to the wall as flush as technically possible and will not extend over the building wall. The antennas will be painted to match the color and texture of the building. The BTS equipment will be located inside the building. A RESPONSE TO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION 3.8.13 Wireless Telecommunication (A) Location. Subject to the requirements of paragraph (B) of this Section, wireless telecommunication equipment may be attached to or mounted on any existing building or structure (or substantially similar replacement structure) located in any zone district of the city. Wireless telecommunication equipment shall not, however, be permitted to be attached to or mounted on any residential building containing four (4) or fewer dwelling units. • Cricket Response: The proposed design calls for the attachment of antenna on an existing structure, the Fort Collins High School building. The property is ij located at 3400 N. Lambkin Way is zoned MMN (Medium Density -Mixed Use ® Neighborhood). Because of the Residential zoning classification, a Type 2 review is required. (B) Co -location. No wireless telecommunication facility or equipment owner or lessee or employee thereof shall act to exclude or attempt to exclude any other wireless telecommunication provider from using the same building, structure or location. Wireless telecommunication facility owners or lessees or employees thereof shall cooperate in good faith to achieve co -location of wireless telecommunication facilities and equipment with other wireless telecommunication providers. • Cricket Response: Cricket will not act to exclude or attempt to exclude any other competitor from using the subject building at 3400 N. Lambkin Way for the location of other antenna or other telecommunication equipment. (C) Standards. (1) Setbacks. With respect to a wireless telecommunication facility that is a tower or a monopole, the setback of the facility from the property lines shall be one (1) foot for every foot of height. However, to the extent that it can be demonstrated that the structure will collapse rather than topple, this requirement can be waived by the Director. In addition, the setbacks for ground -mounted wireless telecommunication equipment shall be governed by the setback criteria established in Articles 3 and/or 4. • Cricket Response: The proposed design calls for the attachment of antenna on an existing structure. Consequently, the one (1) for one (1) tower setback requirement does not apply to the proposed design. The BTS equipment is located inside the building. (2) Wireless Telecommunication Facilities. Whether manned or unmanned, wireless telecommunication facilities shall be consistent with the architectural style of the „ surrounding architectural environment (planned or existing) considering exterior telephone service available? Can the building structurally accommodate the proposed antenna and associate equipment? 3. The proposed design for the site must be in compliance with the jurisdictional zoning requirements. 4. The site must meet the needs of the radio frequency team. The ground elevation, the height of the existing or proposed structure, surrounding buildings, and topography must all be considered. In addition, the site must "fit in" with the surrounding proposed or existing sites. Based upon the above criteria, Lucent Technologies has determined that Fort Collins High School building is the best candidate that meets the established criteria for Cricket's proposed network. ANTENNA Cricket is proposing a total of twelve antennas: four (4) on the north building wall; four (4) on the east building wall; and four (4) on the west building wall. The top of the antenna located on the north building wall will be located at an elevation of 70' 8". The top of the antenna located on the east building wall will be located at an elevation of 70' 8". The top of the antenna located on the west building wall will be located at an elevation of 67'. Cricket will initially install six (6) antennas (2 per sector) and will add additional antennas on an as needed basis. However, we are seeking zoning approval for twelve (12) antennas. The antennas will be painted to match the color and texture of the building and will be mounted as flush to the wall as technically possible. The dimensions of the antenna are 56" long, 8" wide, and 2.75" deep. This antenna array will provide 360 degree network coverage. BTS (Base Transmitting Station) UNIT The proposed location for the BTS equipment is inside the building. Obviously, the equipment will not be visible from a public right of way. The approximate dimensions of the BTS units are approximately 5.5' long, 5.5' wide, and 6' tall. Telephone and electrical connections will be made from the BTS unit to existing on -site telephone and power facilities. I PROJECT SUMMARY THE CRICKET PROJECT IN COLORADO Cricket Communications is a subsidiary of Leap Wireless International, Inc. Cricket is introducing a new category of wireless phone service. It does not intend to compete with traditional cellular and PCS carriers. Cricket will give customers the freedom to make all their calls from around their metropolitan area and receive calls from anywhere for $29.95 a month. Because Cricket customers use the service in their local area, roaming is r not available. The current Cricket build out for Colorado is focusing on the Denver metropolitan area, but will grow to include all of the Front Range communities, from Pueblo in the south to Fort Collins and Greeley in the north. Cricket is currently offering service several cities, including Tuscon, Arizona, and Nashville and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Presently, Cricket is building out wireless network in several other markets, including but not limited to Albuquerque, Phoenix, Salt Lake, and Omaha. The subject site will function as a wireless telephone communication site within a local, regional, and growing national communication system. Cricket operates under license from the Federal Government (please refer to Appendix "C" for a copy of the FCC license) at a frequency band of 1890-1895 MHz and 1970-1975 MHz. The proposed facility will consist of twelve (12) antennas flush mounted to the existing building located at 3400 N. Lambkin Way (Fort Collins High School). The BTS equipment will be located inside the building. Please refer to Appendix "G" for more information on Cricket. SITE SELECTION PROCESS Selecting a location for a wireless telecommunications site is not an easy task. The process begins with a radio frequency (RF) engineer laying out a network of sites which all interconnect. The goal is to provide seamless coverage to the customer so that the customer does not experience "dropped" calls. Once the network of cells is established, the RF team provides a search ring map to a land acquisition agent. The job of the land acquisition agent is to locate a site within the defined search area. There are four main factors to consider during the site selection process: 1. The property owner must be interested in leasing space to the wireless telephone carrier (Cricket). 2. The proposed structure must be able to positively address a variety of construction related questions, including but not limited to: Is on -site power available? Is Table of Contents SECTION 1 CURRENT PLANNING DEPARTMENT APPLICATION FORM SECTION 2 PROJECT SUMMARY SECTION 3 RESPONSE TO THE WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS APPENDICES A. STAFF COMMENTS FROM 5-14-01 CONCEPT REVIEW MEETING B. FCC COMPLIANCE LETTER C. FCC LICENSE D. COVERAGE PREDICTION MAPS E. PHOTO SIMULATIONS F. ANTENNA SPECIFICATIONS G. CRICKET INFORMATION H. EXECUTED LEASE 0 11 cric etTM communications Lucenrt Technologies Bell Labs Innovations PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PLAN APPLICATION (TYPE 2) 3400 N. LAMBKIN WAY CITY OF FORT COLLINS TYPES OF REVIEW: WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SUBMITTED BY LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES REPRESENTING CRICKET COMMUNICATIONS