| | Published April 9th, 2014
| Campolindo Neighbors Stop Cell Tower
| | | By Sophie Braccini | | |
They didn't have to put up too much of a fight; in fact, when Chris Learned, associate principal of the Acalanes Union High School District, heard the neighbors' vehement opposition to the school district's plan to allow AT&T to install a new cell tower on district property in the Campolindo neighborhood, he withheld his signature from the agreement with the service provider. Drivers on Moraga Road may continue to lose their signals, and the district will not pocket an additional $5,000 per year - the price of valued peace with the neighbors.
The story started a few weeks ago when the AUHSD governing board approved easement modifications that would permit a wireless facility to co-locate on an existing PG&E transmission tower set on a district-owned, undeveloped lot between Calle La Mesa, Campolindo Drive and Moraga Road. "Since there were already high tension wires from the PG&E installation it did not appear, at first, to be a big issue," said Learned, who prepared the material that secured the board's approval.
But neighbors disagreed. "My husband and I are very concerned and upset about the proposal to put an AT&T cell phone tower near our home on Calle La Mesa in Moraga," said resident Deidre Murphy. At a Moraga Planning Commission meeting March 17, resident Roy Wright spoke during the public comment period to share data he had gathered. "As of 2012, sellers are required to disclose cell tower locations to buyers even if the cell tower is not visible," he explained, "This adverse impact on real estate marketability directly contributes to home devaluation. Real estate groups estimate new cell towers similar to the one proposed devalue surrounding properties by 20 to 30 percent."
Wright also introduced Lafayette resident Ellen Marks, of the California Brain Tumor Association, who has done research on the potential health risks associated with cell towers and was part of the team that fought such installations in Lafayette. "It is an enormous problem and yes, increased use is creating a need for more towers," said Marks. "I do not advocate against this technology but I do strive to educate people to reduce their use."
Learned also received emails from concerned residents.
"The data about the negative effects of living near cell towers is still controversial," acknowledged Learned, "but if there is a risk, we do not want to impose it on people living near our property." Campolindo residents who attended the district's board meeting on March 19 were delighted to hear that the cell tower agreement would not be signed.
|
| | | | | | | |  | | | | |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA