Judge: City has right to hold hearing

A judge Friday upheld Huntington Beach’s right to hold a revocation hearing for two controversial cell towers originally slated to be built in parks.

U.S. District Court Judge R. Gary Klausner denied a motion by T-Mobile, the company that wants to construct the towers, that would have allowed start-up construction on the towers.

T-Mobile wants to construct a 55-foot-high tower at Harbour View Park, which is next to Harbour View Elementary School, and a 52-foot-high tower at Bolsa View Park. Both towers were slated to be disguised as trees.

The ruling doesn’t end the litigation against the city, and there is still expected to be a Nov. 9 trial date, according to a statement from the city attorney.

The city held a hearing Aug. 30 and voted 6 to 1 to revoke T-Mobile’s wireless permits on the grounds that a significant coverage gap wasn’t proven and there are viable alternatives.

T-Mobile was originally granted administrative approval in 2007 for two towers that were slated to cost significantly less than the actual amount.

Construction came to a standstill in 2009 when residents found out about the project and put up a fight.

—Britney Barnes