DEKALB SCHOOL WATCH BLOG: Covert Cell Tower Activity?

Originally Posted:  Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Posted by Cerebration at 9:48 AM
So far, it looks like T-Mobile has jumped to attention and gotten right to work building those recently approved cell towers. People report that work on the tower at Lakeside is well under way across from the entrance to Echo Lake by the lower parking lot. We're not sure how work commenced so quickly on this project, as it usually takes at least 30 days to get a permit from the county. T-Mobile has had issues in the past and a group in California is monitoring them quite closely:

T-Mobile accused of installation violations
Company accused of installing equipment in Bay Area cities without proper permits

October 05, 2008|By Seth Rosenfeld, Chronicle Staff Writer

Neighbors wondered why workers waited until late on a summer night to erect an antenna atop a building near the Bon Air shopping center in Greenbrae.

As it turned out, the crew - allegedly working without the required permits - was installing the antenna for T-Mobile, the cell phone giant that has been rushing to set up hundreds of cellular transmission sites around Northern California.

That Marin County installation is one of several in the Bay Area where T-Mobile has been accused of ignoring local zoning rules to set up cell sites, according to building officials and public records.

Other sites allegedly in violation are in San Francisco, Alameda and San Leandro.

In addition, five former employees who helped T-Mobile install antennas told The Chronicle the firm has routinely put up and modified transmission sites without getting permits.

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If you see construction activity on a cell tower, please tell us in the comments and /or send an email to sayno2celltowers@yahoo.com
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UPDATE: Watch this new documentary on the subject of cellular technology TONIGHT at 7pm!

"Full Signal"

Documentary will air on DirecTV and Dish

Today at 7:00pm

DIRECTV Channel 375 | DISH Network Channel 9410

Full Signal talks to scientists around the world who are researching the health effects related to cellular technology. From veteran journalists who have called attention to the issue for decades; to activists who are fighting to regulate the placement of antennas; and to lawyers and law makers who represent the people wanting those antennas regulated.

 

FOX5 ATLANTA NEWSCAST TRANSCRIPT: Opinions Divided Over Cell Towers at DeKalb Schools

VIDEO

Opinions Divided Over Cell Towers at DeKalb Schools: MyFoxATLANTA.com

By KAITLYN PRATT/myfoxatlanta

Updated: Tuesday, 23 Aug 2011, 12:57 PM EDT Published : Tuesday, 23 Aug 2011, 12:29 PM EDT

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - T-Mobile is getting a "busy signal" from some residents in DeKalb County in answer to proposed cell towers planned near elementary schools.

"When did schools become a profit center for commercial business?" asked Cheryl Miller who is against cell phone towers.

There is outrage over the possibility of cell phone towers at schools in DeKalb County.

"One hundred fifty feet in the air - a 60 by 60 base. In the middle of their neighborhood," said Miller.  Cheryl Miller said Briarlake Elementary is one of nine campuses where the DeKalb County School Board approved T-Mobile to build during a July meeting vote.

"If it's nine this year, it could be nine more next year," said Miller.

Miller is concerned about radiation levels and property values. She is working to spread information about the proposed sites through a group, "Get the Cell Out."

"Just because the school board has agreed to lease their property at these nine schools - does not mean T Mobile will get the zoning permits necessary."

But T-Mobile isn't getting a "busy" signal from all residents. Those in favor of placing towers at the nine schools say the money paid by T-Mobile each month will bring much needed funds into DeKalb County's school district.

Supporters add each of the PTA's of those schools will receive a $25,000 donation; money they say could help DeKalb's students.

Both sides will have a chance to voice their opinions at a zoning hearing in the next few months. A date has not been set yet.

Twelve DeKalb schools were originally on the list for possible tower locations. Neighbors signed petitions to have three campuses removed.