Page One

The City Council sent the new Public Safety Tower back to the drawing board after neighbors complained that the 170-foot structure is too unsightly for a residential neighborhood. 

Neighbors also complained that tower’s design, which they dubbed the “oil derrick,” never went through the city’s normal approval process. The tower, which provides radio communication for the city’s emergency services, will be fully operational while new designs move through various commissions. The process is expected to take between two and three years. 

The tower was erected in November, 2000 even though its design was never approved by the Zoning Adjustments Board, Design Review Committee or the Landmarks Preservation Commission. 

City officials estimate dismantling the existing tower, which is behind the Public Safety Building at 2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, and constructing a replacement could cost between $300,000 and $500,000. 

The council approved Councilmember Dona Spring’s resolution with a 6-2 vote. Councilmembers Polly Armstrong and Betty Olds voted against the resolution and Councilmember Miriam Hawley was absent.  

“I’m glad there was council support for this resolution,” Spring said. “I’m really thankful for the mayor’s leadership in making the motion that the city will commit to an environmental review and public design process.” 

Dean said she would vote for the redesign process provided there were no gaps in tower radio service. She also insisted any new design be as effective in supporting radio communication as the existing tower. 

Armstrong, who voted against the redesign, said the estimated cost of replacing the existing tower was too high. 

“I’m sympathetic with the neighbors. If this tower was in my neighborhood I would be here complaining too,” she said. “But our job as City Councilmembers is to look at what’s good for the entire city and the $300,000 to $500,000 cost is not responsible.” 

The recommendation asks the city manager to begin an environmental review of two potential options. One is to relocate the tower to the Transfer Station in northwest Berkeley. The other is to exchange the existing structure with two shorter, “flag pole” styled antennas. 

The three-legged, steel structure is designed to withstand a major earthquake and continue to provide critical radio communication support for police, fire and medical services. The council approved the tower’s activation on Jan. 22. 

Neighbors said they were pleased with the council’s action.  

“We are thrilled with the council’s vote,” Robin McDonnel. “We are very happy the mayor and the council listened to the voice of the community.”