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Vienna cells water towers
The Vienna Town Council voted 4 to 3 April 7 to allow wireless companies to locate antennas on water towers if there is no adequate alternative.
One of Vienna's three water towers is located in the center of a residential neighborhood on Tapawingo Road, prompting concerns from neighbors. Although the law is intended to increase cell phone coverage for Vienna, Dr. Fayez Saleeb is worried about its other implications
“I live right across the street from that tower,” said Saleeb, who is concerned about threats to his family's safety posed by the electromagnetic radiation concentrated at cellular antennas.
Garrison Cavell, a cellular consultant assisting the town, admitted that there are health risks associated with the antennas, but only at very close proximity.
“The antenna will be directed outward, not down at the ground,” Cavell said.
Councilwoman Maud Robinson suggested that the Tapawingo Road tower be excepted from the law, but was narrowly voted down.
“This is a commercial use to enhance revenue in a residential neighborhood. That does not seem appropriate,” Robinson said.
Companies that use the water tower will pay rent to the town. According to the town council, no company has made a specific request to use the towers.
Email the reporter at mtayloe@timespapers.com
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