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Residents Oppose Cell Tower Plan

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@tampatrib.com

Published: April 1, 2009

VIRGINIA PARK - Members of the Virginia Park Residential Neighborhood Association are taking a stand against a cell phone tower proposed for 3328 S. Dale Mabry Highway, on land owned by Brewer and Sons Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Association President Spencer Kass said people are worried about the structure's height, a possible reduction in property values and potential health risks from long-term exposure to radio frequency emissions from antennas attached to the tower.

T-Mobile spokeswoman Ann Brooks said the cell tower would be 80 feet tall and resemble a flagpole. Despite some speculation, the proposed tower is not an alternative to a proposed tower at Coleman Middle that was rejected by the school's principal. Tampa officials must consider whether to approve placing a cell tower at the funeral home site. A zoning hearing tentatively was set for April 30, but city officials will be notified once T-Mobile submits a final plan.

On News & Tribune's Web site, southtampa.tbo.com, readers have submitted thoughts on the matter. Here is a sampling of what they are saying:

"During the entire debate with Coleman, everyone missed the obvious that the cell tower was going up somewhere... so I guess the funeral home will be getting the "free" money."

Posted by jmk22

"Since everyone is a know it all, I am sure you all know that 1) T-Mobile has perfect coverage in va park they are just using this site to cover the wealthy neighborhoods that did not want the tower 2) the city/residents receive no income from the tower 3) they only allowed for a 10 foot fall radius around the site even though the tower is 80 feet tall 4) the existing use for the property already has too little parking, parking is so bad that people park on the grass where they painted lines (including for a handicapped space) and this proposal would eliminate parking spaces. So before everyone opens their mouth maybe they should first get informed, and if you want the tower and its equipment post your address."

Posted by dsjk100

"Here is an alternative - Pull every cell tower already erected in that area (because they are obviously dangerous, NOT!!!) and when these morons whine and moan about no reception, at least they will have their "health" to be thankful for. Back to land lines with them!!!"

Posted by cshultz110

"To all the naysayers... find a T-Mobile cell phone, go to Brewer and Sons Funeral Home and make a call while you watch all the children play at Corona Park. My guess is that your reception will be just fine. T-Mobile just wants to be a landlord, NOT a tenant. T-Mobile REFUSES to use a business plan that minimizes RF radiation to residents and children. We do NOT need cell towers with antennas spewing known carcinogens every mile or two. Send T-Mobile back to Europe... oh yeah I forgot... T-Mobile would be out of business in Europe because their RF Radiation Standards are much stricter than in America. Go figure - we Americans aren't gullible are we??? They have stricter guidelines because countries with guaranteed health care don't want to pay for all the health care costs attributed to wireless radiation... from decreased cognitive abilities to brain tumors. Looks like Brewer and Sons have a conflict of interest here... they get a cell tower and more dead customers. How pitiful."

Posted by CShell

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