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Oakdale Will See Tower Color Changed
Tower 3
Due to public outcry, AT&T states they are now working with the city to change the color of the recently installed faux water tower. RICHARD PALOMA/ The Leader

In response to a June 12 Leader news article, AT&T representatives have contacted the Leader and the City of Oakdale and advised them that they will be changing the color of the recently constructed lime green faux water tank cell phone tower.

“At AT&T, we work closely with communities all across California and we take community concerns very seriously,” said AT&T San Francisco Public Affairs Manager Alexandra Krasov. “Our customers and employees live in Oakdale, so we certainly understand that this structure is an important part of the community.”

The June 12 article mentioned much criticism from the community, including that the colors chosen, a pale green and yellow, are similar to the rival Sonora Wildcats to the east, and not the colors of the town’s own red and gold Oakdale Mustangs.

Others commented that the lime green was an eyesore and contrasted with the red backdrop of the A.L. Gilbert Company’s red buildings.

During the conversation, Krasov apologized for the comments made byAT&T Media Manager Charles Bassett on June 12 in which he referred to inquiries as being “a joke.”

“We work across the state to build proper infrastructure for our wireless communications,” Krasov said. “We strive for the community to accept the look and feel of the structures to be part of the landscape.”

According to Krasov, the original light green color was chosen from a series of photo simulations and the city planning department had signed off on the chosen color last year.

“With the negative reaction, we’re concerned with addressing community concerns,” Krasov said. “We are now working with the City of Oakdale to address community concerns about the color of the water tower, and we look forward to resolving the issue and providing Oakdale residents with the best possible wireless service.”

Krasov could not confirm what the new color scheme would be, but based on the now genuine and sincere concern of the telecommunication conglomerate, red and gold would be a near certainty.

For the entire story, read the June 19 Oakdale Leader.