Title
Laveen Radio Tower Project - District 7
Description
Requesting City Council approval to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to proceed with the Laveen Radio Tower construction project on a portion of the land on the future site of Fire Station 73 (FS73) in Laveen Village. No contracts or funds are requested for approval at this time. This project will utilize an existing contract with Arrington Watkins Architects, LLC (164302) and will be funded by impact fees and the general fund.
Report
Summary
The FS73 Laveen Tower Project is a strategically planned initiative between the Information Technology Services (ITS) and the Fire Department. The Laveen Radio Tower Project seeks to address known gaps in the public safety radio system in the southwest valley. Years of growth in the area and increased demand for emergency services have highlighted deficiencies in the radio system, including dead zones, negatively impacting public and first responder safety. For example, firefighters working in the area have submitted reports of these radio system deficiencies, which have been confirmed by propagation studies. The new tower, in the proposed location, will address these known deficiencies and dead zones, facilitating significant enhancements in the ability to provide safe and efficient public safety services to the surrounding area.
The proposed new tower site will include:
- A block building to hold communications equipment.
- An 8-foot block wall with swing-style steel privacy gate.
- A truck-rated gravel drive.
- A 180-foot communications tower.
- A generator for power backup.
This item has been reviewed and approved by the Information Technology Services Department.
Concurrence/Previous Council Discussion
Information on the FS73 Laveen Tower project was presented to the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee on April 1, 2026.
Public Outreach
ITS staff performed the following community outreach efforts to discuss the proposed project with surrounding property owners and residents:
Notification letters in English and Spanish were sent via USPS informing residents within 600 feet of the proposed project site of the project’s purpose and scope, and invited members of the community to attend in-person community meetings.
Staff conducted two community meetings near the project site:
- Trailside Point Park, March 24, 2026, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Laveen Heritage Park, March 26, 2026, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Three residents attended the community meetings, and two email comments were received.
Location
NWC of 67th Avenue and Baseline Road
Council District 7
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays, Deputy City Managers David Mathews and Alan Stephenson, and the Fire and Information Technology Services departments.