Since 2010, Garden City residents have been voicing their concerns at board meetings regarding the proximity of cell towers to homes, schools, and playgrounds, citing health hazards. Residents are petitioning Crown Castle to relocate the equipment and infrastructure, reported Garden City Life.
The residents are concerned about possible health-related side effects, even submitting a letter to Garden City Life stating, “Crown Castle currently owns cell antenna equipment and infrastructure throughout Garden City residential areas. RF radiation emissions, according to the World Health Organization, are now categorized as a recognized possible carcinogen. The RF radiation emissions issue is real and frightening. We ask that the village, along with the residents, work with village attorney Peter Bee and any other necessary law firms, along with our government leaders to finally, after seven long, health-compromising years, to get the job done.”
Additionally, the Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino is calling for an independent study by Long Island’s federal representatives on the potential health-related side effects of cell phone towers. In response, the board noted, “We are not ignoring the homeowners’ concerns. But we are required to make an assessment of the facts and the law before we proceed to take actions that may result in litigation or that may, in the long run, be detrimental to the village as a whole.”
Regarding the health effects, there’s no indication that it’s a concern. According to the American Cancer Society, there’s little evidence to support the notion that people living, working or going to school near a cell phone tower are at a greater risk of cancer or other health problems.
Additionally, a consulting firm, Richard Comi, was hired to assess the Crown Castle equipment and found emissions comply with and fall well below federal guidelines.
Technically, Crown Castle, a utility, has rights to run its telephone and electric lines where they can, according to state law. Moreover, the 1996 Telecom Act prohibits state and local governments from denying permit applications for cell towers based on the environmental effects of RF radiation, if FCC emissions and health guidelines are followed. And, to further irritate area residents, Crown Castle also has the authority to access homeowners’ backyards to maintain equipment if the company produces a court order granting access to these areas.
May 25, 2017
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