Palo Alto Little League Cellular Antenna
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the relationship between Verizon Wireless and Palo Alto
Little League in regards to the cell tower plan?
A: In May 2010, Verizon Wireless and Palo Alto Little League entered into an
agreement that allowed Verizon Wireless to use Palo Alto Little League’s Middlefield
Ball Park as a location to place a cell tower in order to improve Verizon cell service in
south Palo Alto. This original plan no longer represents the current plan being proposed
by Verizon today.
Q: How is the plan different today than what it was originally?
A: The original plan when compared to the current plan is significantly different.
Originally, an artificial tree was to be used as a cell tower and placed near Middlefield
Road. A version of the plan then called for two cell towers, instead of an artificial tree, to
be placed near Middlefield Road. In addition to the cell towers, a shed was to be built
near the cell towers to house a backup generator. The shed size was 1000 sq. ft. and
also placed near Middlefield Road.
The current plan now calls for a 5-ft cellular antenna to be placed on top of a light fixture
that is similar to the existing light fixture. The new light fixture with the cellular antenna
will be located in the same location in right field as the current light fixture. The light
fixture will be used to illuminate the right field area during night games. A shed will be
placed next to current structures near right field and the batting cages. The shed will be
about 500 sq ft. Instead of a generator as a backup power source, the shed will now
house a fuel cell, a much quieter way to run the cellular antenna in the event of power
emergencies.
Q: Will Palo Alto Little League get any money from Verizon Wireless for the
placement of the cellular antenna on top of the light fixture?
A: Yes. Palo Alto Little League will receive $24,000 for the first year with a 3% increase
year over year.
Q: For how long is the agreement between Palo Alto Little League and Verizon
Wireless?
A: The agreement is for 5 years with the option to extend the agreement for another 5
years up to 4 times. Therefore, the total length of the agreement could be 25 years.
Q: What about the plans to place cell towers at Middlefield Ball Park?
A: There are no plans to place cell towers at Middlefield Ball Park. The current plan
calls for a 5-foot cellular antenna to be placed on top of a right field light fixture.
Q: Is a new light fixture being placed at the ball park?
A: No, only the support pole for the existing light fixture (in right field) is being replaced
at the ball park. The replacement pole will be set in the same location as the current
light fixture in right field.
Q: What’s different about the new light fixture?
A: The new light fixture pole will be wider in diameter in order to accommodate the
wiring inside up to the cellular antenna.
Q: Is the new light fixture the same height as the current light fixture?
A: Yes. The new light fixture will be the same height (60 ft) as the current light fixture. It
will project the same amount of light and be in the same location.
Q: Will the new light fixture meet all the necessary building codes for safety and
be built with the impact of earthquakes in mind?
A: Yes. Verizon Wireless must go through the City of Palo Alto approval process and
meet all the standards and building codes for safety, including those for earthquakes.
Q: Will trees be removed to accommodate the new light fixture?
A: No. No trees will be removed to accommodate the new light fixture.
Q: What changes to the shed are being made?
A: The initial plan called for a 1000 sq. ft. shed to house a generator as a backup power
source and be placed near Middlefield Road. The new, current plan calls for a shed
about 500 sq. ft to be built next to existing structures located near the right field and
batting cages. Instead of a generator, a fuel cell will be housed inside the shed as a
backup power source for the cellular antenna.
Q: What is the shed going to be made of?
A: The shed will be a block structure made of similar materials as the club house and
other structures already located at the park. The new shed will also be painted green,
like the current club house and structures.
Q: Why is Palo Alto Little League agreeing to place a cellular antenna on top of a
light fixture?
A: Palo Alto Little League believes there is a community benefit. The cellular antenna
will help improve Verizon cell service in south Palo Alto. There is also a benefit to the
Palo Alto Little League community. The money the league receives monthly from
Verizon will help mitigate the need for the league to raise registration fees. The money
from Verizon will also help pay for both new and ongoing capital improvement and
maintenance costs related to the fields (Middlefield and Hoover) and other league
related expenses (uniforms, city field use fee, umpire and equipment fees).
Q: Why does Palo Alto Little League need this money? Can't you just do some
fundraising to get more money?
A: Palo Alto Little League is a non-profit organization. The league is responsible for the
ongoing maintenance of Middlefield Ball Park and Hoover Ball Park. League funds also
pay for all the equipment used by players, fees to use city parks and properties for
games and practices, the payment of umpires and any planned or unplanned
improvements.
To help offset these costs, the league already participates in fundraising efforts, raising
approximately $40,000 - $60,000 annually primarily from the same population of
families that pay registration fees and from local businesses that sponsor teams in the
league.
The agreement with Verizon provides an opportunity for the league to have a continual
income of $24,000 a year to help fund the ongoing maintenance and improvements to
the ball park.
Q: Why can’t you increase your fees to help raise more money for the league?
A: The league has already raised fees by 24% and 33% depending on the age group
since 2012. As a result of these increases, Palo Alto Little League has some of the
highest registration fees in comparison to nearby leagues. Therefore, the league does
not want to rely on registration fee increases to pay for expenses. Doing so puts an
unfair burden on participating families and goes against the league’s commitment to
provide an opportunity for all Palo Alto kids to play baseball. The league currently
provides more than $5000 a year in scholarships to help families with the registration
costs.
Q: What is the budget for Palo Alto Little League?
A: For our budget year ending September 30, 2014, our approximate revenue is
$350,000. Our approximate expenses total $354,000 for a net loss of $4,455.
Q: Aren’t there restrictions on advertising at the ball field? How can you allow
Verizon to place a cellular antenna with such a restriction?
A: There are restrictions around the ball field that state advertising is not allowed. The
cellular antenna placed by Verizon is not a form of advertisement. The cellular antenna
will not have Verizon advertisements on it.