CARLSBAD, Calif. — A growing group of neighbors in Carlsbad are uniting against plans to place a cellphone tower next to their children's school.
Parents say they want the city to consider alternative sites away from sensitive areas. Dozens of parents have taken their concerns to the city of Carlsbad to try to stop the 35-foot tower from going up next to St. Patrick's Catholic School.
The American Cancer Society states that there’s no strong evidence that exposure to radio frequency waves causes notable health effects.
Parents say it’s a risk they rather not take.
“We are hoping that the city not only hears us but speaks on behalf of the residents of Carlsbad," said parent, Rio Montijo.
The tower would be located feet away from outdoor spaces and classrooms.
“The tower is 35-feet tall, it’s a huge tower, its right in the fall zone where the kids play. It’s literally feet from the building," said parent, Tara Henos.
The City’s Planning Commission was set to discuss and vote on the item Wednesday, but the permit for the construction of the tower was put on hold by the applicant due to community feedback.
“Because we are making ourselves heard, and because of the large amount of community support the permit has actually been placed on hold," said Montijo.
The parents say this only buys them time but what could happen next remains to be decided, which is why they say they’ll continue to call for the city to consider an alternative locations.
“We still want to make our presence heard; we still want to continue the momentum for the fight," added Montijo.
Henos said there have been no studies done on the long-term effects of radio frequency exposure.
Others are considering relocating.
“Several families that have already said that if the tower goes up we’re going to find another school," added Jason Leonardo, parent.
On Tuesday, the Carlsbad City Council rejected a cell tower to go up at Poinsettia Park after pushback from the community.
The parents tell me they’re happy with the decision and would like to see the city take the same action in this case.
CBS 8 reached out to the City of Carlsbad on several occasions on this issue but never heard back.
A new date for the Planning Commission's meeting has not yet been set.
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