A new telecommunications project involving the construction of a camouflaged 60-foot tall tower by Verizon Wireless slated for St. Jude’s Parish Church property in Lakewood has parents up in arms, reported the Lakewood Sentinel. Due to its proximity to Kendrick Lakes Elementary, parents are speaking out in opposition to the tower, voicing concerns over noise, aesthetics, health hazards, and industrial work happening near children.
“Evidently this project has been in the works for a while, but we never heard anything about it until work had already begun,” said parent Andrea Guajardo. “Why was there no public meeting? This tower is right near our kids, and residents had no chance to ask questions.”
Anita Springsteen, who also has a child at the elementary school noted, “The tower is recklessly close to the playground, the preschool, and the school itself. Within feet of it.”
In response to the complaints, Lakewood’s public information officer, Stacie Oulton noted that cell towers of up to 60 feet are allowed in any zone, provided it’s a residential one and any tower must be camouflaged. Oulton added that only a building permit from the city’s staff is needed if these standards are met. Diana Wilson, chief communications officer with Jefferson County Public Schools said the district doesn’t have a comment since the tower is intended for private property and will follow the city’s process.
The Archdiocese of Denver weighed in. “The way this typically works is the pastor…makes the decisions on the land they own…” explained Dave Uebbing, interim director of communications with the archdiocese. “There are other churches with cell towers around the area, and we wouldn’t be building this if we weren’t sure it wouldn’t negatively affect children.”
Meagan Dorsch, corporate communications representative with Verizon stated, “Verizon works to ensure all of its cell sites are in compliance with state and federal standards. The FCC requires compliance with its RF emissions safety limits to ensure the safe operation of cellular facilities.” She added, “Verizon fully complies with all standards and operates well within the safety guidelines set by the FCC. Additionally, we work with local jurisdictions to ensure all applicable federal, state and local regulations are followed.”
The project has already begun and is slated for completion in 90 to 180 days, according to Dorsch.
May 18, 2018
Reader Interactions