RSS 2.0 FeedAugust 12, 2010, Merrick Life
Community reacts to cell tower moratorium
Two community meetings on the subject happening next week.
Residential groups from Merrick, Bellmore and Wantagh are joining forces. On Monday, August 16, the Moms of Merrick/Bellmore Speak Out (MOMS), Federal civil rights attorney Andrew Campanelli, and members of the Telecommunications Taskforce of Merrick and Bellmore will join Wantagh residents at a meeting at Wantagh High School.
The meeting will be an opportunity for residents to discuss how they will address the proliferation of cell towers, antennae and other wireless equipment in residential areas. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. The goal of the meeting is to form a strategy that will protect the health and welfare of these South Shore communities against over building and placement of cell equipment. A prepared statement from MOMS stated that its goal is to create “safe zones [so that] towers should not be placed within 1,500 feet (approximately 1/4 mile) of any home or school.”
In Merrick, NextG Networks has erected Direct Antenna Systems attached to Verizon telephone poles in about 35 locations. Merrick also has a T-Mobile antenna on the roof top of 1955 Merrick Road and has approached the North Merrick Library to place a cell tower inside a flag pole. Bank of America is also in discussions for approval of cell equipment at its Merrick Avenue location. There is an ongoing debate over the health risks from electromagnetic fields. Industry experts say there is no danger.
The 1996 Telecommunications Act takes the same position. However, residents remain skeptical, especially when some European countries have placed restrictions on the location of wireless equipment. Hempstead Town Attorney Charles Kovitt and Richard Cumi will attend the meeting on Monday to discuss the proposed town ordinance. “Join us as the Town of Hempstead makes a precedent and takes a stand against the powerful cell companies,” said an e-mail from Jodi Turk Goldberg, of MOMs.
“The new codes will make it harder for the cell companies to come close to homes/schools but, federally, the cell companies are still protected. Residents may bring children to the meeting. Go to www.dontcellout.com for more information.
