When Tim Janowak built this home in this quiet and rural neighborhood, he never dreamed that a cell phone tower in his backyard could ever be a possibility. But after a vote by St. Joseph County Commissioners Tuesday, that possibility is now a reality.

Tim Janowak says, "The county council and the commissioners all just ignored what every one of the neighbors around here for a quarter mile, what they wanted."

It's an argument county commissioner, Steve Ross, can sympathize with. He says he wouldn't want a tower in his backyard either, but voted in favor of the tower for everyone in Granger. It wasn't an easy decision.

Steve Ross says, "It's a hard vote. It's the kind of vote no one is ever happy with. But I think the people of Granger will be served by having a cell tower and the ability to communicate in the event of accidents or fire."

Right now many people experience dropped cell phone calls and in some cases, cannot make any calls at all.

Steve Ross says, "We've had examples of people being in serious accidents and the first responders haven't been able to communicate even for an ambulance. Those are important issues."

Tim Janowak agrees. He says there needs to be cell phone tower in the area, he just doesn't think his backyard is the best place, or the safest place. He's so concerned about radiation from the tower and ice falling from it in the winter that he is going to move.

Tim Janowak says, "I bought a place in Tennessee already. I wasn't going to. I've got a few years until I retire, but it's too scary living next to a cell phone tower like that... having one that close."

Tim isn't the only person considering moving. At the meeting with commissioners today others also said they move. And some says they still plan to keep on fighting against the cell phone tower.

Updated: December 12, 2006, 9:01 pm