UPDATE The Roanoke County School Board debated the installation of a cell tower on school property this week, according to the Roanoke Times. A proposed tower from Milestone Towers in 2019, was rejected by the Board as well. Concerns at Tuesday’s meeting centered around potential health risks and community pushback. At a recent work session, board members voiced mixed opinions on the issue, with no clear consensus on whether to proceed. Citing anecdotal studies suggesting increased RF radiation near cell towers, one resident emphasized that the potential risk to students outweighed any financial benefits. “For me, the risk of putting one child in danger… is not worth it,” she said.
The proposed tower would be 150-to-195 feet, potentially replacing a light pole at the football field. Its advocates said the site would enhance local connectivity and generate revenue for the school district. A representative for the project explained that radiation levels from cell towers are regulated by the FCC and deemed safe by the FDA and National Institute of Health, and radiation levels from these facilities are “thousands of times lower” than regulatory limits.
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