Petition in opposition to proposed new cellular telephone tower on Sandbridge Rd. Virginia Beach

To: Virginia Beach City Council
From: The concerned citizens of LagoMar and Heritage Acres communities
Re: Opposition to the proposed new cellular phone tower on Sandbridge Road

AT&T Wireless (Formerly Cingular) is proposing the construction of a new cellular phone tower (#307) along Sandbridge Road in Virginia Beach, across from the Los Brisas Drive entrance to LagoMar. Exact coordinates are 36.742736,-75.990484. AT&T is looking to improve coverage in this part of the city and is in negotiations with Equi-kids Therapeutic Riding Center regarding the lease of the proposed site. The tower, which is designed as a single pole structure, will be at least 165' tall (100' above the current tree line) and will accommodate up to four complete sets of antennae arrays.

During a LagoMar Civic League meeting on September 20th, three major concerns were voiced with the proposed tower plan. First, the erection of a large commercial structure in our rural residential area will be an eyesore that will disrupt the asthetics of the area. Second, that the presence of this structure will have an adverse effect on the property value in the area. Finally, that there are documented health risks associated with long term exposure to constant radiation of this nature for residents who live close to the tower.

AT&T legal representatives present at the meeting described the proposed project to concerned citizens and key questions were raised:

Did AT&T do a thorough analysis of alternatives in selecting a site that would be least disruptive to the surrounding neighborhoods? AT&T did not look at surrounding alternate properties, such as Old Pungo Airfield or Red Mill Commons which are near by commercial properties within the planned coverage zone.

Does AT&T believe that there is any correlation between the existence of a residential cellular telephone tower and personal property values. AT&T claimed that studies were done that showed that property values were not adversely effected but did not provide any details on any such studies. Realtytimes.com, LiveScience.com and a host of other professional journals tell a different story.

Does AT&T believe that there are any long term health risks associated with cellular telephone towers located close to residences? AT&T claimed that there were studies that showed no such correlation but did not provide any details on those studies. The internet is replete with detailed reports of studies that support both sides, and the residents of LagoMar are concerned that there is no long-term conclusive evidence to say that these towers are safe.

We, the undersigned residents of the LagoMar and Heritage Acres communities strongly object to the proposed cellular telephone tower installation in our neighborhood and recommend that the council reject the request for variances that would allow it's construction.