Despite the presence of Milestone Towers in the region and a need for better connectivity, the Fauquier County School Board voted against a cell tower proposal. As the Fauquier Times reports, the Virginia school property at Liberty High was identified years ago as a location that would be a good host site for the area. Although local residents are aware of the digital dead zones, many of them rank phantom health fears as a bigger concern.
The American Cancer society continues to affirm that there is no reliable evidence to link medical maladies to cell towers. Unswayed, residents like board member Danielle Dean have put their faith in internet rumors. “I live in Marshall and, sometimes, my cell phone works and sometimes it doesn’t,” she said. “I carry two cell phones, but I don’t believe in putting it [a cell tower] on school property … the potential to harm one student, just one student, isn’t worth the risk or the possible financial benefit.”
With the vote against the 150-foot Liberty High cell tower, the board made a decision to keep the tower off school property, and deprive it of $11,000 per year in revenue. The proposed tower would have replaced an existing light pole situated near a softball field.
Milestone Towers has attempted to work with communities in Virginia to help the state meet its digital connectivity goals. However, while some residents celebrate the improved digital access afforded by cell towers, others stir up fears and push back. The Fauquier Times notes that the erection of new cell towers in the county has long been controversial, drawing loud voices both for and against progress when the matter comes down to a vote.
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