'Crime Against Humanity' Resident Says of Proposed Cell Phone Antenna

Residents who live close to a Gaithersburg park that is the site of a proposed cell phone antenna are worried about whether it could devalue homes and whether radiation emissions are harmful.

AT&T wants to add a cell antenna to a baseball field light post at Kelley Park, reports Gazette.Net, to strengthen service in the area.

The antenna would be more visible than a T-Mobile cell antenna on another baseball field in the park, said City Manager Tony Tomasello. When asked if the city had studied the effects the antenna would have on property values. Tomasello replied no.

A couple of residents worried about the dangers of being exposed to possible radiation from the antenna.

“It’s a crime against humanity,” said Stefania Luddy in the website’s story. “We will be bombarded by radiation.”

The American Cancer Society says most scientists believe that cell sites and antennas are unlikely to cause health problems.

Representatives for AT&T previously said that the new site will allow the company to offer stronger service in the area.

AT&T would pay the city between $1,800 and $2,000 per month in rent for use of the park’s location if the antenna is approved.