At the Biddeford Planning Board meeting Wednesday evening, the gentle legal lady informed us all that federal law prevents any local government from prohibiting the erection of a cellphone tower on grounds of the health of the citizens. She cited court cases to support this idiocy.
Does anyone really believe that the federal government has the authority to prevent people from protecting their health and the health of their children?
For those who do not know, the effects of radiation from these towers can extend out to 2.5 miles. There are schools within that distance of this proposed tower in Biddeford. Homes on Arrowood Drive are less than 500 feet from this proposed location. One study cited an 18 times greater incidence of cancer for those living near such a tower, and a four times greater incidence for those 2.5 miles away. Children, because of their growth rate and thinner skulls, are five times more susceptible than adults, the studies say.
There is one method of encouraging the appropriate representation of your city council member: It is to threaten to ride them out of town on a rail if they do not do what is right for their constituents.
To all those who live within range of this tower of death, or have children or grandchildren who live or go to school there, I strongly advise that you contact your city council representative to solicit his or her cooperation in preventing this tragedy. Further, it was noted that the area in question is not even zoned for communication towers, and this cellphone company is trying to get an exception to this zoning by an underhanded method.
You may also note that the rest of the world, not being too stupid, refuse to buy houses close to cellphone towers. So, when you cannot sell your property, request that the city revalue your house down to zero. Then, at least, you will get a tax break while you are slowly being microwaved.
-Frank Novotny, Biddeford
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
