New Cingular Wireless wants to erect a 134-foot cell tower on the southeast corner of South Murphy Road and East Colony Road just north of the Ripon city limits.

The San Joaquin County Community Development Department turned down the applicant’s request.

The rejection was based primarily on a letter from the Ripon City Council objecting to the tower as it could create issues with future residential development if and when the land is annexed to Ripon.  The land currently has an orchard on it.

The area in question has been identified by the city and county as being within Ripon’s sphere of influence. That essentially means it is considered a prime candidate to be annexed to the city.

New Cingular Wireless is appealing the denial.

The San Joaquin County Planning Commission will decide whether to uphold the denial or overturn it when they meet this Thursday at 6 p.m. in the supervisors’ chambers of the county administration center at 44 North San Joaquin Street in Stockton.

The community development department has received opposition letters to the proposed cell tower tower signed by 37 members of the Colony Oak School staff plus letters from 21 community members.

There were also more than 250 community members and organizations that contacted the Board of Supervisors directly to express their opposition to the project.

The opposition was fueled in part by concerns that developed over the years regarding a cell tower placed on the Weston School site in Ripon after several students and staff developed health issues.

There was s concern that the tower — which has since been removed — contributed to those health problems.

The proposed cell tower location is near the Colony Oak School.

The applicant, in order to advance their appeal, has since proposed moving the tower from the west side to the east side of the property. The new location also falls with an area designated as an urban reserve in Ripon’s general plan that serves as the city’s blueprint for growth.

The county community development staff has recommended the planning commission deny the appeal.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dweyatt@mantecabulletin.com