A Pushback Against Cell Towers, in Sunday’s New York Times, lists property value hits, moratoriums, and surprise installations as complications of wireless market expansion. Just as several Southern California homeowners have experienced,
In June 2009, Sharon Curry, a psychologist in Merrick, [Long Island] woke up to find a cell antenna abutting her backyard, level to her 8-year-old son’s bedroom window.
Puzzled by its presence, particularly because she lives next to an elementary school, she did research to see if there was cause for concern. What she learned about possible health impacts, she said, led her to seek help from civic associations and to form a group, Moms of Merrick Speak Out, to keep new cell towers out. She said she was seeking the “responsible” placement of cell antennas, away from homes and schools.
The article goes on to say “The Federal Communications Act of 1996 says health concerns are not a valid reason for a municipality to deny zoning for a cell tower or antenna,” without commenting on the FCC’s credibility to dictate acceptable exposure limits.
Back in Los Angeles, the Silverlake Neighborhood Council endorsed the Burbank Residents’ Report in a memo to Los Angeles city council members.
The Burbank report, prepared by residents to inform city officials and staff working on a new wireless ordinance, presents proactive wireless siting rules in other communities, including Glendale. The Silverlake NC is one of 45 residential groups, representing over one million stakeholders, that have petitioned the city of Los Angeles for more oversight of wireless installations.
Also back in Los Angeles, Dr. Magda Havas will be speaking this Thursday in Woodland Hills on her research linking proximity to cell towers with health effects.