FOX5 VIDEO: "Get the Cell Out - Atlanta" Formed to Alert Other Schools About Cell Tower Decision

By KAITLYN PRATT/myfoxatlanta

(click headline for the full story)

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

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

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.

Original title of article on FOX5 website: Opinions Divided Over Cell Towers at DeKalb Schools (We did not think "divided" was a fair way to represent this issue, so we re-wrote the title for our blog site purposes.)