Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this cell tower, and cell towers in general:
1. What are the health dangers?
It is currently unknown what the full effects of long-term exposure to these towers are - they just haven't been around long enough for many definitive studies to have been done. But the current standard for exposure limit was set in 1985, is not based on any biological studies, and is considered inadequate by most (non industry) experts.
In recent years there has been a trend in studies showing that there is at least some adverse effects, such as slightly elevated risks of cancer, and many other countries have adopted much tougher standards as a result.
Here is a good article that is well cited and provides a lot of information about what is known and not known: http://www.scribd.com/doc/3773284/Health-Effects-from-Cell-Phone-Tower-Radiation
2. Why can't we talk about it?
As long as Federal guidelines are met, Cities are prevented by law to use health concerns to deny a request to build a new cellular installation. Because of this, generally if you mention the health effects to city officials (and especially to members of the Planning Commission) you will tend to get a negative response.
So, I highly recommend not trying to make any statement along these lines, as it will dilute any other argument you are trying to make. There are many reasons not to want a cell tower in your neighborhood, and the best strategy is to focus on the ones that the city can defend.
Have a problem with this? You should. Please contact your representatives in Congress: Jackie Speier and Barbara Boxer - only they have the power to change this law.
3. How do I cancel my T-Mobile subscription?
call 1-800-937-8997
4. Who benefits from new cell towers - why would the city support them?
The owners of the land usually enter into a lease agreement with the phone carrier, earning extra income in exchange for allowing a tower to be built on their property. In this area, CalWater has entered into agreements with all of the major carriers to lease their water-tower land to them.
There is no benefit to the city whatsoever - none of these businesses (nor CalWater) are based in San Carlos and there is no economic gain to the city. In most cases, cities are operating more out of fear of being sued when approving new cell sites.
5. Didn't T-Mobile just put up another tower 2 blocks away at Heather School?
Yes, this is true - right after school let out for summer, 2010, T-Mobile applied for and received a permit to put up a new cell installation at Heather School, which is 2 blocks away. There was no objection from the public, because no-one received notification.
But even though they now have a tower there, T-Mobile requested that another tower be built on Heather Drive, claiming there was still a need in this area. And in their proposal they left out any information about the coverage provided by the Heather school site, claiming it wouldn't matter. This turned out to be completely false, and for more details check out the section with the details about the Heather tower site.
6. Will the new zoning rules prevent this tower, and others like it, from being approved?
Sadly, no. While the new rules are a positive step forward, there is nothing that would prevent this tower from being accepted. Worse, the new rules allow for an increase in the maximum height to 65 feet, instead of the current 50. Please send a letter to the Mayor and Planning Commission and sign the petition to voice your objection (see the link on the home page).
