Roslyn Estate residents continue to fight the village board’s approval of a cell antenna proposal on Northern Boulevard and have brought on lawyers to battle the decision.
Residents oppose Dish Network’s proposal to install cell towers and other wireless facilities at 1044 Northern Blvd.
The approval occurred at a village board meeting back in April.
Village residents and their lawyers filled every seat in the room but stalked out in a line about two minutes into the meeting once the decision was made.
Dish is proposing three sets of two antennas, two located in the northeast corner of the building and one in the southeast.
Although the building at 1044 Northern Blvd. already houses cellphone antennas for three other cellphone service providers, residents have argued against the proposed new cellular antennas for months. They started a petition on Change.org and a GoFundMe outlining their primary concerns.
“In light of the unaddressed risks associated with 5G radiation exposure, our primary focus is on safeguarding the health and safety of our entire community, especially our children, who are most vulnerable to any potential negative health impacts associated with 5G radiation,” said Kathy Lien, originator of the Change.org petition.
“We believe that prioritizing the health and safety of our community should be paramount,” the petition continues. “We urge you to listen to the concerns of your constituents and take decisive action to protect the well-being of Roslyn Estates residents.”
In addition to radiation questions, residents have also said Dish’s proposed cell tower “is not demonstrably necessary and serves only to disrupt our bucolic neighborhood aesthetic.”
Tthe unsightly nature of such structures negatively impacts property values and the overall character of the Village of Roslyn Estates,” the petition continues.
Andrew Campanelli, a lawyer representing a group of Roslyn Estates residents, claimed in a letter sent to Mayor Paul Leone Peters in March that the site’s facilities are non-FCC compliant.
With the addition of the fourth carrier atop the building, Dish estimates that the facility’s radiation emissions will increase from 58.8% to 59.8%, a 1% increase.
According to Daniel Patrick, the attorney representing Dish, this increase is minimal and still within the safety threshold as determined by the FCC.
Lotus Young, founder of the GoFundMe page, said, “We have engaged a reputable attorney with ties to the community and prior experience fighting cell tower installations so that we can have a stronger voice.”
“Please consider donating to our legal defense fund, and together, let’s ensure our voices are heard loud and clear,” she said. “Your generosity will not only safeguard the character of Roslyn Estates but also send a powerful message that our community stands united in protecting its values and well-being.”
