Milestone Towers recently installed a cell tower on the grounds of Fauquier High School in Warrenton, VA and has proposed building a second one in Rectortown, VA. If erected, the new tower would share a property with Claude Thompson Elementary School according to FauquierNow.com. Committee member Duke Bland, hastened to calm attendees, noting, “There’s a long way to go before we do anything,” adding, “tonight is really the first time some of us have even heard about it.” School Board member, Donna Grove, agreed noting, “We haven’t even talked about it yet. It’s certainly a long way from happening.”
Sounding pro-active alarm bells, Henry Lavine, speaking on behalf of the Friends of Rectortown said, “I’m already concerned about this process.” He mentioned worries that information is not being communicated to parents and questioned both health concerns and the possible impact on both the environment and property values. “There is no need for the tower in our community,” he said, “As we have fiber and, as I understand it, the school has adequate service.”
Verizon, the first likely occupant of a new cell tower, did not send a representative to the Building Committee meeting. Regardless, neighbor Patricia Richards asked, “Can Verizon guarantee that there will be no harm to the children?” Adding, “I am strongly opposed. Building a tower anywhere near a school is a dangerous decision.” Resident Jamie Nash, who also lives close to the elementary school echoed similar objections, declaring, “It has no business being here.”
At this point, plans to build a new cell tower remain in the speculation phase.
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