The most crucial question, and the most hoped-for answer, was saved for the closing minute of last night’s overflow, spirited community meeting at City Hall where unbashful residents protested a proposed new cell phone tower.
This was Nimby-ism in its purest form, 40 fairly organized neighbors throwing up a wall of cement-like resistance to a feared technological invasion.
Bryan Tjomsland, a brawny and outgoing gentleman who became an instant leader of the Stevens Avenue push-backers, posed the question that captivated the standing-room-only audience:
Would T-Mobile, the applicant, consider revisiting alternative sites before it settled permanently on the roof of Cash ‘n Carry office supplies, at the corner of Sawtelle Boulevard and Stevens, in south Culver City?
T-Mobile is the unremitting villain in this little hometown playlet.
It was represented — deceptively ably, as it turned out — by Aaron Anderson, an unassuming, pink-cheeked, quietish young man, casually but tidily attired. Possibly even a recent junior high school graduate. He looked more youthful than anyone in the room except for the two sons of City Council candidate Meghan Sahli-Wells.
As he did throughout the evening, Mr. Anderson beamed his interrogator straight in the eye.
“Yes,” he said, firmly, unflinchingly.
That affirmation was worth the two hours of lively sparring that pitted evenly matched parties, vexed, outspoken neighbors against a cast of more sedate City Hall officials and the aforementioned Mr. Anderson.
Enthusiasm from the crowd surged like so many doves fluttering toward the ceiling of the Dan Patacchia Room.
It should be noted, however, that Mr. Anderson attached a caveat as vital as his agreeability. He told the suddenly appreciative gathering that he was not the decision-maker. Therefore, his T-Mobile bosses would need to make the ultimate call.
Nonetheless, a moment later when the unexpectedly productive community meeting ended, the petitioning neighbors broke into applause, stunning City Manager Mark Scott, who gently moderated what could have evolved into a television wrestling match but did not.
Mr. Scott said this morning that he expects to be in contact with T-Mobile within a week to learn if they will pursue an exploratory path toward a new site.
Meanwhile, the potential change of direction by T-Mobile was distressing news this afternoon for Dan Israely, founding owner of Cash ‘n Carry. He had told the newspaper last month that T-Mobile’s decision to locate atop his building was a financial lifesaver for his struggling store. “Things are getting worse for us by the day,” he said. “January, normally, is the start of a busy season for us, with people buying datebooks and calendars. Not anymore, though, because of the internet.”
The entrepreneur said if neighbors are concerned about how the tower will affect their health, a new location will change little.
Reflecting on T-Mobile’s possible reversal, Mr. Israely said even if the cellphone company abandons his store for another site, “the tower still will not be far away (from protesting neighbors). T-Mobile chose our store because they need (coverage in) this area. If they go to a different location, it won’t be two or three miles away, probably more like a few hundred feet.”
