SEATTLE, Wash. — A group of neighbors in West Seattle are fighting to stop Verizon from putting 12 cell antennas on top of an apartment building at 6023 SW Stevens St.
They argue that the cell tower antennas will not only be ugly, but will impact property values, and are a health hazard.
"It's not proven but it's not disproven and then I have read several sites that talk about behavioral issues that come from it. You know sleeplessness," said Johanna Juby, who lives in the apartment building where Verizon wants to install the antennas.
Neighbors also argue the radiation from the antennas will be harmful to children at Alki Elementary School 600 feet away.
"I don't like it because I have young children," said Juby.
Eric Siko and his neighbors filed an appeal with a hearing examiner when they heard about the plan.
"It's definitely worth it if my health is going to be in danger. I want to stay here. I don't want to have to move," said Siko.
Although the hearing examiner will make a final decision on the matter in July, Siko and his neighbors are trying to rally support against the plan.
They are organizing a protest at 7 p.m. Thursday on 59th Avenue Southwest and Alki Avenue Southwest near the Alki Bathhouse.
Scott Charlston, Public Relations Manager, Verizon Wireless issued this writtne statement on the issue:
"Consumer demand for wireless data service is nearly doubling each year. 70% of all 9-1-1 calls are now made by cell phone. Verizon is working to stay ahead of growing demand for wireless service in public spaces and in neighborhoods. The proposed rooftop location previously housed antennas from another wireless carrier for the past 12 years so Verizon's application is not a new development but a continuation of an existing function. The rooftop antennas are all shorter than five feet in length. Regarding possible health impacts, the European Commission recently reviewed current, relevant scientific data regarding RF emissions; stating there is no conclusive evidence that it is dangerous."