June 26, 2008
It is with urgency I write this, because on Monday the Shelby City Schools Board of Education will vote on a proposal from a cell phone company offering a 25-year contract to erect a 189-foot cell phone tower on the high school grounds, behind the school. If passed by the board, it will go to the Shelby Planning Commission for approval; if passed, then to City Council for passage. Shelby residents will have no vote. The time to act is now, before these votes are cast.
These towers emit harmful electromagnetic radiation. Children should not be exposed to this danger while in school, nor should people in residential areas. There is too much apathy about this threat to health. Also consider the devaluation of property values in the area from towers.
Cell phone companies pay to use the land towers sit on, and give "extras" to entice cities, boards and others to sign contracts. Shelby Schools will get $12,000 annually for a 25-year contract, with 5-year increases. How can we value money more than the health and well-being of our residents? The City of Shelby's future growth could be affected by the stigma of cell towers on school grounds and near homes. These towers should be situated in isolated areas outside city limits and residential areas, and never on or near schools.
I urge concerned people to act now. Voice your opposition to this proposal. Talk to the above-mentioned school board members, Shelby Planning Commission members, City Council members and your friends and neighbors. Shelby schools already have a cell phone tower in their football stadium, in downtown Shelby, and it is by a grade school and middle school. Shame on us if we allow a second tower on school property and near residents' homes.
Please speak out, and act now.
Maureen Ingram
Shelby
Story Source:
http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080626/OPINION03/806260302
School cell phone tower
