The Fremont Planning Commission approved a proposed 54-foot tower disguised as a bell structure to sit on a local church’s property, and residents are up in arms about their safety, reported the East Bay Times. Verizon Wireless plans to construct the tower on Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish property, part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland.
Some residents opposed the tower at the recent meeting by holding up signs that read “No Cell Tower.” Most residents voiced their concerns regarding the effects of radio frequency emissions on neighbors and students due to the proximity of elementary and high schools to the proposed location. One high school student proclaimed, “Don’t let self-interested people like large corporations have a say in our health.”
In response to health concerns, Verizon hired a consultant, Hammett and Edison Inc., whose staff was tasked to “evaluate the emissions of the proposed antennas and determined that the proposed antennas would contribute only 4.3 percent of the maximum allowable RF exposure in the publicly accessible areas up to two meters above ground near the site.”
Regarding the legality of placing a tower on church property, which is considered residential, and contradicts the city of Fremont’s ordinance, staff reports note exceptions can be made when “there are unique circumstances, the site is suitable, and the overall intent/objectives of the ordinance requirements and guidelines still can be met.”
According to Deputy City Attorney Eric Kaeding, even if the Verizon tower doesn’t meet all unique circumstances, commissioners are prohibited by federal law from rejecting the tower if it fills a “significant service gap in the applicant’s wireless network” and is the least intrusive means of filling that gap.
Why a tower on church property? It’s not so uncommon. According to city staff planner Spencer Shafsky, more than half of the large churches in Fremont have a similar cell tower on their property.
November 20, 2017
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