Sprint PCS is seeking permission from the University to build a 120-foot cell phone tower near Hayward Field, and the Campus Planning Committee will decide whether to approve the proposal sometime next month.
However, Sprint has several hurdles to jump before it can build the cell tower.
The proposed tower would be erected by light poles near the west grandstand near the new all-weather activity field. Telecommunications manager David Barta said if Sprint designs an ugly tower, the University won’t build it.
“There aren’t many places where somebody can put a cell tower on campus,” Barta said. “This is probably the farthest possible distance from any houses.”
Under guidelines governing telecommunication facilities on campus set last year by the Campus Planning Committee, the proposal will be reviewed for impact on campus utility infrastructures and health concerns associated with radio frequency transmission.
The cell tower would have to be constructed at least 100 feet from residential areas and in a way that protects views from open spaces, main entrances and historic buildings. The tower also would have to be designed to fit in with the surrounding landscape, such as camouflaging it as a flag pole.
If the University approves the plan, Sprint would then have to convince Eugene city planners that no other site is appropriate for the transmission tower.
University Planning Director Chris Ramey said he is unaware of opposition to the Sprint proposal. But if the University and Sprint float the idea to the city, city planner Kent Kullby said he expects public outcry similar to neighborhood protests last year about Sprint’s failed plan to build a cell tower near Williams’ Bakery.
Kullby said most opponents of cell towers are worried about the possible health hazards of long-term exposure to radio frequencies. But according to FCC regulations, health concerns are not adequate grounds to deny cell tower construction.
“There are a lot of feelings and emotions about cell towers,” Kullby said.
Doctoral student Phillip Ojo opposes any new cell tower on campus.
“This is supposed to be an educational center, not a business center,” Ojo said. “This company should find somewhere else to build.”
Barta said the University isn’t enthusiastic about placing cell towers on campus, but by establishing guidelines and accommodating industry, the University has increased its ability to decide where cell towers should go.
“We haven’t cut any corners,” Barta said. “We’re trying our best to be the good guys on this.”
Under a long-term lease, Barta said Sprint would pay the university about $950 per month for the site, plus a percentage of what Sprint charges other cell phone carriers that decide to use the tower.