Z2023034 PZ Handout Memo
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DATE: March 6, 2025 TO: Planning & Zoning Commission From: Nick Schlimm, Planner SUBJECT: Z2023034 – Crossland Baptist Church Bell Tower Agenda Item: 4 Since the publication of the staff report for the referenced case, staff received notices of opposition from seven additional property owners, as well as an additional letter from one property owner who had previously expressed opposition to the case, as referenced in the staff report. Of these eight properties, six are located wholly or partially within 300’ of the subject parcel. Of the two letters received from outside the 300’ buffer, one is from an employee of an organic farm on Parcels 502-29-006M and 502-29-020, which are located within the 300’ buffer. There are 17 parcels wholly or partially within 300’ of the subject parcel (including the subject parcel itself). The opposition received accounts for six of these 17 parcels. As such, the opposition received accounts for approximately 35% of the parcel numbers within the 300’ buffer and approximately 64% of the parcel acreage within the 300’ buffer. The threshold for requiring a supermajority vote for approval from the Board of Supervisors (BOS) is 20% for both figures. As such, a supermajority vote will be required from the BOS for approval of Z2023034. The consensus among the opposition is that a wireless communication facility would depreciate property values in the neighborhood, as well as contribute to adverse health and safety effects on both residents and animals, including a beekeeping operation on an adjacent parcel. There is also concern over the aesthetic impact of the proposed tower on the neighborhood. Staff also received one letter of support from a property owner beyond the 300’ buffer. The support letter argues that cell towers do not contribute to adverse health effects but would benefit both residents and businesses as the County expands. These additional letters of opposition and support were received since Thursday, February 27, 2025, and have been attached to this handout. Attachments: Letters of Opposition (11 pages) Letter of Support (1 page) Support and Opposition Map (1 page) 1 Nicholas Schlimm (PND) From: kurt bates <kb36787@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2025 5:20 PM To: PND PZAppeal Cc: Nicholas Schlimm (PND) Subject: Cross roads Cell tower This Message Is From an Untrusted Sender You have not previously corresponded with this sender. Please use caution when you receive messages from new senders. Always validate the sender first. Dear Sir, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed installation of a cell tower 250' across the street from my home. This tower would significantly impact the quality of life for my family and I, as it would be directly visible from both our kitchen, living room and bedroom windows, where our children and grandchildren often spend time and sleep. The idea of having such a massive structure so close to our home feels intrusive and unsettling. Furthermore, I am concerned about the potential impact on our property values. A structure like this, especially so close to our living spaces, would likely deter potential buyers and make our property much less desirable. Additionally, there are safety and health concerns regarding the proximity of the tower to our homes. The potential risks that could arise from living near such a structure are deeply troubling. I kindly urge you to reconsider the plans for this cell tower, as it poses significant risks to both the safety and the well-being of our community. I am happy to discuss this matter further if needed, but I hope you will take these concerns seriously. Thank you for your attention to this matter. 2 Sincerely, Kurt Bates 4640 N Perryville rd Litchfield Park 85340 Parcel # 502-29-119 630 697-3759 1 Nicholas Schlimm (PND) From: katerina@blueskyorganicfarms.com Sent: Friday, February 28, 2025 10:56 AM To: Nicholas Schlimm (PND) Subject: CASE #: Z2023034 OPPOSITION Attachments: February 27,2025.pdf This Message Is From an Untrusted Sender You have not previously corresponded with this sender. Please use caution when you receive messages from new senders. Always validate the sender first. Good morning Nick, Please also see attachment for a letter from one of our neighbors at the farm. They delivered it to us requesting to submit it to you. I’m also writing to express my own opposition to this cell tower in such close proximity to our farm, animals and staff. My parcel number is 119-18-075 and while I own & live in Phoenix, I work at the organic farm that would be impacted by this cell tower. I do not wish to have my health, the health and well being of our animals and of any of our farm neighbors impacted negatively by this tower that is not needed. We all hope that CASE #: Z2023034 is rejected by the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Supervisors. Thank you, Katerina Encinas Blue Sky Organic Farms 4762 N 189th Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 Steve Wong 18791 W Coolidge St. Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 February 27, 2025 APN: 502-29-355 Mr. Nick Schlimm C/O Maricopa Planning and Development Dept. 301 W. Jefferson St. Phoenix, AZ 85003 Dear Mr. Nick Schlimm: I am writing in regards to case number Z2023034 – Crossroads Baptist Church Cell Tower. I am the owner of parcel number 502-29-355 and it’s adjacent to the proposed land that the cell tower would be on (parcel 502-29-033A). I want to express my deepest opposition towards allowing the new tower to be erected on the aforementioned parcel. I’ve spoken with everyone in the neighborhood and we all agree that it would be a hazard to our health for us and our families. A couple of years ago, I purchased my land to build a nice home for my family and enjoy the views of the white tank mountains while working towards retirement and to enjoy my new house with my three kids. I’m just about to complete the build of my new home and I love the fact that there is that small community feel while everyone still enjoys their acreage and the sweeping mountain views. Six years ago, I had some health complications and almost passed away and ended up having open heart surgery. This ordeal changed my life forever and now I greatly appreciate my health and the health of my family even more. I think it would be very dangerous to everyone’s health that lives nearby to the cell tower due to radiation and other cancer-causing effects. I am not willing to risk my family’s lives and wealth fare just so the church can make some money to have the cell tower on their premises. Please reject the special use permit or feel free to contact me directly to hear my concerns – 425-985-4683. Lastly, I just built my dream home and I strongly feel that the cell tower will depreciate all of our properties around the area. It will especially damage mine since I’m adjacent to the east and border the church. It would be a huge eye-sore for the community. Please keep me posted with any updates or contact me via email at wong0107@gmail.com or my number is 425-985-4683. Please reject the special use permit for our families sake. Thank you for listening to our concerns. Sincerely, Steve Wong 2/27/25 1 Nicholas Schlimm (PND) From: Vicente Gonzalez <azapiaries@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2025 4:59 PM To: PZAppeal@gmail.gov; Nicholas Schlimm (PND) Subject: 5G tower opposition This Message Is From an Untrusted Sender You have not previously corresponded with this sender. Please use caution when you receive messages from new senders. Always validate the sender first. Dear Nick Schilimm, I am writing to formally oppose the proposed 5G tower installation on parcel 502-29-033A, which is in close proximity to my property at 502-29- 026J. As a beekeeper and a resident of this community, I have serious concerns about the impact of this tower on our bees, the local ecosystem, and property values. Scientific studies have shown that electromagnetic radiation from 5G networks can disrupt honeybee behavior, navigation, and overall colony health. Given that bees are essential pollinators for local farms and vegetation, any disruption to their natural processes could result in reduced pollination rates, threatening food production and biodiversity in the area. My own beekeeping operation could suffer, affecting not only my livelihood but also local crops and fruit trees that depend on pollination. Additionally, 5G towers have been linked to various health concerns, including increased cancer risk, cellular stress, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairments. Studies recommend a minimum distance of 1,000 to 1,500 feet from residential areas for safety, yet this proposed tower is far too close to homes and businesses. States such as Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma, California, and New Hampshire have already recognized these risks and implemented stricter placement regulations. Furthermore, property values in the area will likely decline due to the presence of this tower. Prospective buyers often avoid properties near cell towers due to health concerns and aesthetic considerations, leading to financial losses for homeowners. Given the potential harm to our community, environment, and property values, I urge you to reject this 5G tower installation at its current proposed location and explore alternative sites that do not pose such risks. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, Gonzalez parcel 502-29-026j February 27,2025 Nick Schlimm c/O Maricopa Planning and Development Dept. 205 W. JeffersonSt. Phoenix, Az Re: Case # Z2023034- Crosslands Baptist Church Cell Tower Dear Sir, We are writing this letter in opposition to the wireless communication facility site wanting to be installed on our street in Litchfield Pk. We are long time residents of the area and have a huge concern of this being around us and everyone else in our area. We currently have three parcels of land that would be affected by this and my daughter and son in law and family have another. Parcel # 502-29-112c Parcel #502-29-112L Parcel # 502-29-112k Our immediate concern is due to health concerns including increased cancer risk, cellular stress, headaches, sleep issues, genetic damage and memory deficits to name a few. There is no reason to have this installed around so many people and putting one person at risk ofa health issue. I have grand children growing up very close to this site and am very concerned for their safety and health. Studies say that the distance is more like 1300 ft. from the tower to be a safe distance. 300 ft. is way too close to be setting a distance of safety. Some states including Masachusettes, New York, Oklahoma, California and New Hampshire all have 1000 to 1500 ft. distance ranges for cell towers to be installed in residential areas. There is a reason WHY!! We also have a farm down our road that sells to many stores in the city and local people in our area. There is a chance and studies show some fruit trees have failed to produce fruit. We can't have this affecting our food supply in any sense. One of our residents raíses bees and studies show that it can affect bees and in turn cross pollination. We need to protect what we have and our environment. We are also concerned about what this can do to our property value. This would definitely lower our value as this would have to be disclosed if we ever wanted to sell or get an evaluation of property. This is not acceptable for someone to come in and want this that does not even live in our area to put all of us and our surroundings at any risk. Created with Scanner Mini In conclusion, we have been residents here for 50 years. I was actualy raised on the property that the CrossroadsChurch is located on and the Church is wanting to get a payment in exchange for al we have worked and invested our lives for. We urge you to consider our requests and concerns. Respectfully, Kauylige Richard Riefkohl Kelly Riefkohl .. Created with Scanner Mini 1 Nicholas Schlimm (PND) From: Doug Miller & Dana Morrison <dougadoresdana@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, February 28, 2025 10:24 AM To: Nicholas Schlimm (PND); PND PZAppeal Subject: OBJECTION to SPECIAL USE PERMIT This Message Is From an Untrusted Sender You have not previously corresponded with this sender. Please use caution when you receive messages from new senders. Always validate the sender first. Attn: Nick Schlimm, Maricopa County Planning and Development Department. My name is Dana Morrison-Miller. Maricopa County Parcel #502-40-695 I want to file my OBJECTION to the Special Use Permit in the Rural 43 Zoning District, for a wireless communication facility. This cell tower would be devastating to the very fiber of our community and a well-established, organic farm that many of us depend on for a healthy way to supplement our family. The two cannot coexist and the cell tower can go somewhere else, away from residential homes, and organic farming practices. Please do not approve this special use permit. Sincerely, Dana Morrison-Miller 1 Nicholas Schlimm (PND) From: julie Gomez <juliegomez406@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, February 28, 2025 2:41 PM To: Nicholas Schlimm (PND); PND PZAppeal Subject: cross roads cell tower This Message Is From an Untrusted Sender You have not previously corresponded with this sender. Please use caution when you receive messages from new senders. Always validate the sender first. To who this may concern: I want to express my strong opposition to the proposed installation of a cell tower 250 across from my future home This tower has me concerned about the potential impact on our future home values. A structure like this, especially so close to our living spaces, would likely deter potential buyers and make our property much less marketable and desirable. Additionally, there are safety and health concerns regarding the proximity of the tower to our lot. The potential health concerns have us worried for future living in such a close proximity. Thank you for reading my letter of concern parcel# 502-29-112D To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevent automatic download of this picture from the Internet. photo Julie Duarte Gomez REALTOR®, Exp 602-818-9989 | juliegomez406@gmail.com IMPORTANT NOTICE: Never trust wiring instructions sent via email. Always independently confirm wiring instructions in person or via a telephone call to a trusted and verified phone number. Never wire money without double-checking that the wiring instructions are correct. *Revised 5/2021 Pg 5 CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information protected by law. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. Create your own email signature To help protect your privacy, Micro so ft Office prevented auto matic download of this picture from the Internet. 1 Nicholas Schlimm (PND) From: RODOLFO RAMIREZ <ramirez2@cox.net> Sent: Friday, February 28, 2025 2:07 PM To: District4; Nicholas Schlimm (PND) Subject: Crossland Baptist Church Bell Tower, Case # Z2023034 This Message Is From an Untrusted Sender You have not previously corresponded with this sender. Please use caution when you receive messages from new senders. Always validate the sender first. Just found out about the meeting for this. I fully support it. I understand others might object however there have been no scientific studies that can claim adverse effects from Cell Towers. Even the American Cancer Society does not lean one way or the other (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk- prevention/radiation-exposure/cellular-phone-towers.html). I hope the permit gets approved. This part of the county is expanding and both residents and businesses will benefit. -Rodolfo Ramirez N 189th Ave W Coolidge St 502 29 119 502 29 348 502 29 354B 502 29 006M 502 29 020 502 29 120A 502 29 120B 502 29 355 502 29 112D 502 29 033B 502 29 033A 502 29 354A 502 30 991 502 29 026J 502 29 112H 502 29 112J 502 33 836 301 W. Jefferson St., Suite 170, Phoenix, Arizona 85003, (602) 506-3601 Document Path: \\gisteam.maricopa.gov\workgroup\patrick.dongarra\PND\OppositionCases\Z2023034\Z2023034.aprx DISCLAIMER: This map is a graphical representation designed for general reference purposes only. Viewer/User agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Maricopa County, its officers, departments, employees and agents from and against any and all suits, actions, legal or administrative proceedings, claims, demands or damages of any kind or nature arising out of the use of this map, or the data contained herein, in its actual or altered form. www.maricopa.gov/planning Maricopa County OET, GIS Division, 3/5/2025 Ü 90 0 90 45 Feet Opposition and Support Z2023034 Parcel Subject Parcel 300' Buffer Opposition Parcel Supporting Parcel All Opposition Parcels All Supporting Parcels 300' Buffer Interior 300' Buffer Selection Eligible parcels: 17 Supporting parcels: 0 Opposition parcels: 6 Supporting parcels sq ft: 0 Opposition parcels sq ft: 468,500 Subject parcels sq ft: 138,586 All area inside the 300' buffer sq ft: 872,657 All area inside the 300' buffer - excluding subject parcel, ROW and excluded parcels sq ft: 734,071 No-response parcels sq ft: 0 Super Majority opposed parcel acres: 64% Super Majority opposed parcel number: 35%