NEWMAN — A proposal to build a 130‑foot wireless communications tower just outside Newman is now headed to the Stanislaus County Planning Commission after the applicant, The Towers, LLC/Verizon, filed an appeal of the county’s recent denial.
The appeal moves the matter to a public hearing scheduled for 6 p.m. March 5 at 1010 10th Street in Modesto, where commissioners will consider whether to overturn or uphold the county’s decision.
Assistant Planner Shante Ruiz denied the project on Feb. 4 after the City of Newman formally objected, arguing the tower conflicted with long‑term development plans for the area. The site, located at 642 W. Mariposa Street, sits within the city’s adopted Sphere of Influence, where Newman is expected to guide future growth.
The proposal calls for a 130‑foot monopole, nine antennas, a microwave dish, a GPS antenna, radio cabinets, a diesel backup generator and a fenced equipment yard accessed by a 208‑foot easement. The project drew significant attention on social media in late January, with residents raising concerns about the tower’s height, visibility and proximity to schools and parks.
Because the application was being processed through the county’s Staff Approval procedure, no public hearing was required unless the applicant appealed — a step that now triggers the March 5 review.
Community members opposed to the project are encouraging residents to attend the hearing or submit written comments to the county. Concerns cited online include potential impacts on property values, visual blight, health questions, and the availability of alternative locations farther from residential areas and schools.
Public comments may be emailed to CommunityDevelopment@stancounty.com, where they will become part of the official record. The hearing will be livestreamed and recorded for those unable to attend in person.
Project documents and the city’s letter of opposition remain available on the Stanislaus County Planning Department website. For more information, residents may contact the Planning Division at (209) 525‑6330.
