Local Government Capitalism?
I have written before about the problems of locating cell phone towers. The NIMBY turnout is very predictable whenever a new tower is planned. Yet, many people want good service and the ability to make and receive a call from anywhere.
The City of Laguna Beach, CA is taking on the problem. According to the CoastlinePilot, Laguna Beach has identified 10 city owned parcels where "disguised" cell towers may be located.
The City Council directed City Manager Ken Frank in July 2006 to work with ATS Communications to devise detailed plans to locate the facilities for wireless service providers on 10 city parcels, hoping to reduce or forestall the proliferation of antennas and other equipment, improve cellphone service for residents — and make a profit from leases.
The designs could include fake trees and faux rock piles or benches to disguise equipment... Other stealth options include a replacement flag pole and a fake chimney at one site, a rooftop cupola on another. Light standards are also handy.
GASP, make a profit from leases? How much?
Leasing city property for the installations will put about $2,000 a month from each leased location into the city coffers, always welcome news.
Let's see, $2,000/month from each leased location? With each of the 10 parcels having the ability to have more than one lease?
Government ... Making money off of fake trees ... in California?
I would love to be at this meeting. It would be a real hoot.
Good Luck Mr. Frank, you will need it.
Al Arnold
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