Alliance of Neighbors of Walt Whitman High School

CHRONOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

2010-03-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

On March 14, 2010, Dr. Alan Goodwin, the Principal of Walt Whitman High School, sent the following e-mail to Whitman parents:

[whitnet] Cell Tower
Sun, March 14, 2010 1:16:04 PM

From: Alan_S_Goodwin@mcpsmd.org

To: whitnet@yahoogroups.com
To the Whitman Community,

For the past several weeks, segments of the Whitman community have been embroiled in discussions regarding the possible placement of a cell tower by T-Mobile on Whitman’s school grounds. This possibility emerged when I allowed T-Mobile to examine the school grounds to test the viability of such a structure. I did this because for the past several years, I have had some community members express dismay over the lack of service in certain sections of the area.

After T-Mobile made a proposal, I started the established steps that other schools have followed which essentially placed a tremendous burden on our PTSA leadership. The procedure calls for the PTSA to provide open communication about the issue to the school community and to forward emerging opinions to me and ultimately to the MCPS central office. I want to publicly thank them for assuming a challenging task.

The PTSA leadership and I have met several times lately to share the input that we have received, and it is strongly evident that the discussion about the cell tower is causing a great tension among neighbors as persons weigh in with opinions and concerns. The PTSA has done a remarkable job of soliciting and posting both Pro and Con reactions despite not having a range of resources to assist them. As the controversy has moved beyond the boundaries of the Whitman community, it has complicated the PTSA’s intent to facilitate a forum for input and a recommendation that accurately reflects its community’s input.

I am a strong advocate for civic discourse and for helping our students see a democratic process take place on controversial issues; however, we have several ways to educate our students, and watching portions of the Whitman community lose their collective sense of purpose and commitment to work together to educate our students has become the greater concern.

The possible placement of a cell tower is not worth fracturing the community with such discord, and I have concluded it is not in Whitman’s best interest to move forward with placing the cell tower on our campus. Continuing the process will only add to the schism. For that reason, I have asked the PTSA, and they have agreed, to cease the process and cancel Tuesday’s meeting. Although this may understandably disappoint some members who wanted to share their views and vote on Tuesday at the PTSA meeting, I am instead asking the Whitman community to step back from this discussion and to refocus and reenergize our commitment to the partnerships we already have in our schools and to enhance them. Let the adult energies move back to volunteering in the classroom, on the playgrounds, in booster organizations, to sharing professional expertise as guest lecturers, to attending extracurricular activities, to helping our students in numerous ways. Let the Whitman community join together to continue to maintain what Bethesda Magazine once called the “Whitman Mystique,” a community dedicated to nurturing and promoting educational excellence. Thank you.

On March 12, 2010, the Whitman PTSA leadership sent the following e-mail to Whitman parents:

[whitnet] REMINDER: Cell Tower Proposal on March 16 PTSA Agenda
Fri, March 12, 2010 9:55:17 AM
From: Whitmanmdptsa@yahoo.com
To: whitnet@yahoogroups.com; whitcom@yahoogroups.com

If you wish to participate in the formulation of the PTSA’s input on the T-Mobile proposal for a cell tower on the Whitman HS baseball field, please attend the TUESDAY, MARCH 16 PTSA Meeting, 7:30 pm in the Whitman Cafeteria. Check- in by members and by those wishing to join the PTSA will begin at 7 pm.

Please see the FAQs below for answers to some frequently asked questions about the meeting. When there are references below to information or forms on the PTSA webpage, use this link: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/whitmanhs/parents/ptsa/ptsa.shtml and select the corresponding tabs.

We encourage you to attend the March 16 meeting and take part in this PTSA community discussion.

Posted by Sue Kanter and Vicky Strella , PTSA Co-presidents

March 16 PTSA Meeting FAQs

Why is the Whitman PTSA seeking input on the cell tower proposal?

It is important that the Whitman community understand what its PTSA’s role is in this issue. To date, the PTSA has taken no position on the proposal. The PTSA is one constituency among many that may have input into the school system’s consideration.   In reviewing proposals to construct cell towers on school property, MCPS considers, among other things, the “[i]mpact on the school site and operations based on input from school staff, PTSA, community groups, and facilities staff.” This is an excerpt from the MCPS BOE Policy ECN Telecommunications Transmission Facilities: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/pdf/ecn.pdf. The Montgomery County Transmission Facilities Coordinating Group is http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/apps/ttfcg/home.asp

What is the format of the PTSA meeting?

* The meeting will begin at 7:30 with routine business including brief reports from the Principal, Student Government Association and the PTSA Co-presidents. Limited copies of the minutes of the January 19 will be available. You may print out a copy of the minutes from the PTSA meetings page of Whitman’s website

* One hour of the meeting (7:45-8:45) will be allocated for community members to make 2-minute statements in support of or in opposition to the proposal.

* At the end of the hour, PTSA members will have the opportunity to vote yes or no on the proposal.

* Votes will be counted and the results will be announced during the meeting.

What will the PTSA do with the results?
A summary of the public discussion at the meeting, and public comments received from late November 2009 through March 16, will be sent to the MCPS Office of the Superintendent as reflecting the input from the Whitman PTSA community regarding the proposal.

I don’t know enough about the proposal. How can I prepare?
Please review the materials about the proposal on the Whitman website under the Parents/PTSA/Community tab. These materials include information from T-Mobile and a community letter from opponents.

The one hour allotted for statements during the meeting is not intended as a question and answer forum. That was the purpose of the two meetings hosted by T-Mobile (Nov. 17 and Mar. 8). If you have specific questions about the proposal before the meeting, you may direct them to T-Mobile (see the contact information in the T-Mobile “Invitation to the Open House”). You may also contact the PTSA Co-Presidents at whitmanmdptsa@ yahoo.com.

Can people with no students at Whitman attend the meeting and vote?
The meeting is open to the public. However, if you wish to vote, you must be a PTSA member.  PTSA membership is open to any individual.

How do I join?
Membership forms are available in the school's main lobby. Forms and online membership instructions are also available on the school website. Dues are $25 for an adult, and $5 for a teacher or student. Online membership is available through Monday, March 15. Anyone wishing to join after that date must use a paper form, available on the website, in the lobby, or they may join at check-in on the 16th.

What if I’m not sure I joined?
A list of all members as of Mar. 4, 2010, is available on the PTSA's main page of the school's website. See ROSTER at: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/whitmanhs/parents/ptsa/ptsa.shtml. At check-in on Mar. 16, our membership list will include those who have joined since Mar 4 as well. Questions about membership may be directed to PTSA Membership Vice President Debbie Flack at hfdt@aol.com.

I can’t attend the meeting but I’m a member and want to have input – what should I do?
Ballots will be available only to those members who attend the meeting. PTSA bylaws prohibit proxy voting. If you are unable to attend the meeting, or otherwise wish to send comments directly to MCPS, you may send them to the Superintendent’s Office.

What if I have questions not covered above?
Questions or comments may be directed to whitmanmdptsa@yahoo.com.   Since November 2009, we have encouraged all those who wish to register an opinion or discuss the issue to send comments to this PTSA mailbox or to use Whitcom, the Whitman parents' discussion list serve.

On March 3, 2010, Community members posted the following Open Letter:

March 3, 2010
Dear Fellow Member of the Whitman Community,
We are writing to convey to you the concerns of over 200 Whitman neighbors and parents regarding the proposed T-Mobile cell tower on the Walt Whitman campus. We strongly oppose the construction of the 120 foot cell tower and hope that you will join us in our efforts to locate the tower/antennas elsewhere.
The remainder of this letter summarizes some of our concerns.
One of the concerns expressed by many cell tower opponents relates to potential health and safety issues associated with the proposed cell tower. Professor Ted Litovitz of Catholic University, a physicist and expert on electro-magnetic radiation, offered his pro-bono services to Walter Johnson High School in that school's successful 2004 effort to block a cell phone antenna on its property. Professor Litovitz, Professor Martin Blank of Columbia University, Professor Reba Goodman of Columbia University and many other scientists have reported adverse health effects (headaches, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, leukemia and other cancers) from electro-magnetic radiation at levels well below the FCC guidelines. The National Research Council (2008) has called for additional studies on the long-term health effects of exposure to cell towers and has recommended the form that such studies should take.
In the interim, many scientists have urged policymakers to adopt the "Precautionary Principle" and avoid exposing children to cell tower radiation. Many other countries and some jurisdictions in the U.S. have prohibited cell antennas and towers near schools due to these health and safety concerns. In the case of Walt Whitman High School, potential health and safety issues are especially important not only because of the exposure to our children attending Walt Whitman High School, the staff who are employed there and the families with homes surrounding the school property, but in view of the proximity of the proposed tower to two nursery schools: the Kenwood Park Children’s Center, which is housed in a wing of the Whitman High School building and Montgomery Child Care at the River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, which is adjacent to the Whitman campus.
We are also concerned that the placement of a 120 foot tower on the Walt Whitman campus would destroy the character of the established residential neighborhood that surrounds the campus. The goal of Montgomery County zoning laws that pertain to the location of telecommunication facilities (Zoning Text Amendment 95028) is to encourage the placement of antennas and towers at less intrusive sites, such as on industrial and commercial lands. Erecting a tower twelve stories high in the middle of a neighborhood of single-family homes is counter to the spirit of county zoning laws. In addition, the impact on property values that would likely result from an unsightly and potentially hazardous cell tower is unfair to the many homeowners who invested in the Whitman neighborhood precisely because of its current character.
We are also deeply concerned about the commercialization of Montgomery County’s public schools that the proposed Whitman cell tower represents. Other than as a source of funding there is no link between the cell tower and the educational mandate of MCPS. Whitman High School would be leasing public property solely to generate revenue. Pursuing such options distracts school officials from their mission to provide high quality education to the children of Montgomery County and moves them into the arena of making money for the school. As parents, residents and taxpayers in Montgomery County, we continue to provide funding to our public school system in the form of income taxes, property taxes and voluntary contributions. We do not want our public schools to be raising funds by renting land to commercial enterprises.
It is also the case that the amounts that would be received by MCPS from T-Mobile, were the tower to be built, are extremely small relative to the MCPS budget and do not justify building the tower on school property. Montgomery County Public Schools would receive rent of $24,000 per year from T-Mobile, $8,000 of which would go to Walt Whitman High School. These amounts need to be put in context: $24,000 is approximately 1/100,000 of the annual budget of MCPS, which is over $2.2 billion. The $8,000 to be received by Walt Whitman High School amounts to approximately $4 per student per year. When the costs of contract administration, insurance, third party verification of electro-magnetic emissions and potential liability costs are considered, the net amount received is even smaller.
We are not alone in opposing a cell tower on the Whitman campus. Several jurisdictions in the United States and abroad have banned the building of cell towers on school grounds. The European Union in April 2009 adopted a resolution encouraging the establishment of setback criteria for wireless antennas and other electro-magnetic emitting devices located near schools. In 2000, the Los Angeles Unified School District adopted a resolution opposing the siting of cellular facilities on or in close proximity to schools. Palm Beach, FL has adopted a similar resolution, as has Vancouver, British Columbia. In February 2010 a bill was introduced in the Connecticut legislature to prohibit the siting of a cell phone tower within seven hundred and fifty feet of school or day care center property. Several schools in Montgomery County--Walter Johnson and Thomas Wootton High Schools and Pyle Middle Schools have successfully fought the building of cell towers on their campuses.
We all appreciate the need for good wireless communication services in Bethesda. There, however, are alternate sites where T-Mobile can locate its antennas to provide these services. This may cost T-Mobile more than building a tower on the Whitman campus, but the appropriate use of school property is not to subsidize the profits of T-Mobile--it is to provide our children with an education that develops the student’s potential to be a lifelong learner and a productive global citizen.
Sincerely,
Yvette Gorog Boone
Member, Whitman Community

Maureen L. Cropper
Member, Whitman Community

Ilissa Flamm
Member, Whitman Community

Christine Ladd
Member, Whitman Community

Christopher Ladd
Member, Whitman Community

On February 25, 2010, the Whitman PTSA leadership sent the following two e-mails to the Whitman community:

Forwarding T-Mobile Open House Invitation

February 23, 2010

Dear Walt Whitman High School Neighbor:

The T-Mobile Community Open House, originally scheduled for February 8, was cancelled due to the snow storm. We wanted to let you know that the new date for our event is March 8. The purpose of the Open House is for you to learn more about T-Mobile's plans to improve wireless broadband coverage in the area.

T-Mobile is working with the Montgomery County School system to replace an existing baseball field light with a new lightpole at Whitman High School. T-Mobile's antennas will be enclosed within the pole which will significantly improve wireless broadband communications in the community.

The Community Open House will be held on Monday, March 8, from 7 to 8:30 PM in the Whitman High School Multimedia Center.

T-Mobile and Montgomery County Public Schools representatives will be on-hand to share the plans and answer questions one-on-one in this informal gathering. Feel free to let your neighbors know about this meeting.

Should you have any further questions regarding this project please do not hesitate to contact me at 240.264.8606.

Sincerely,

Jason Campbell
Senior Development Manager
T-Mobile, USA
________

posted by Sue Kanter and Vicky Strella, PTSA Co-presidents

______________________________________________________________________

New Dates for Cell Tower Meetings

On Monday, March 8, from 7:00-8:30 PM, T-Mobile will host a Community Open House at Whitman, where it will share its plans and answer questions one-on-one in an informal setting. This will be an opportunity for individuals to talk directly with T-Mobile representatives, and to follow up on matters raised at the T-Mobile meeting after the November 17 PTSA meeting. The PTSA strongly encourages Whitman community members to attend T-Mobile's open house on the 8th.

For those who wish to learn about T-Mobile's proposal, use the link below to access T-Mobile material: http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/whitmanhs/parents/ptsa/community.shtml

On Tuesday, March 16, the PTSA meeting agenda will include consideration of the proposal. The meeting will allow for further exploration and discussion of this topic among PTSA members, and will be the opportunity for Whitman PTSA members to have input into the decision whether the proposal will be accepted at Whitman.

Questions or comments on the proposal can be conveyed at any time via Whitcom or in an email to whitmanmdptsa@yahoo.com.

Vicky Strella and Sue Kanter, Co-Presidents, PTSA

On February 8, 2010, the Whitman PTSA leadership sent the following e-mail to the Whitman community:

T-Mobile has postponed its Community Open House that was planned for Wed. Feb. 10th, due to weather and school building closings. A new date will be sent when available to the Whitman community via Whitcom and Whitnet.

The February 16th PTSA meeting, which was to have had the T-Mobile proposal on the agenda, has been cancelled. The next PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, March 16. We will send updated information as it becomes available. Thank you.

Vicky Strella and Sue Kanter
WWHS PTSA Co-Presidents

On February 6, 2010, the following Open Letter with important background information for the upcoming meetings with T-Mobile and the PTSA was posted on the Parents' Coalition of Montgomery County, Maryland blog:

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Open letter on Whitman Cell Phone Tower
Dear Student, Teacher, Administrator, and Neighbor of Walt Whitman High School,
I write to you today regarding a proposal from T-Mobile to install a cell tower on the Walt Whitman School property. T-Mobile, along with many governmental agencies will tell you that there is absolutely no evidence of harm other than the thermal effects from exposure to the radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted by wireless communications transmitters. This is not true. There is much evidence on non thermal biological effects from such exposure. These non thermal effects are found at levels thousands of times below the FCCs RFR exposure standard.

I have written a report that provides a background and references as to how the FCCs RFR standards are not protective, which you can access here - CELL TOWERS AND WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS – LIVING WITH RADIOFREQUENCY RADIATION
http://www.scribd.com/doc/24352550/Cell-Tower-Rpt

Below is information on upcoming meetings, useful websites and contacts as well as a list of questions for T-Mobile.

Upcoming meetings:

T-Mobile Open House on Wednesday, 2/10/10 from 7 - 8:30 pm at WWHS
The proposed format for this meeting is to break into groups to discuss specific aspects of the proposal. If people prefer they can request that the meeting be an open meeting where anyone who wants to speak may address the entire group.

WWHS PTSA Meeting on Tuesday, 2/16/10 in the Media Center
The PTSA meeting minutes from the January meeting say they may vote on the T-Mobile proposal at the February meeting. PTSA membership and meetings are open to anyone who wishes to join, however only members may vote.

Please find websites and contact information at the end of this email.

According to reports available at http://whitmanhighcelltower.blogspot.com/, the T-Mobile tower will be 120 feet tall rising above the tree top level, and will be approximately 400 feet from neighbor's homes with a peak RFR level of .44 micro watts per centimeter squared (uW/cm2). T-Mobile plans to rent out space for additional antennas which will further increase the RFR levels.

The RFR exposure standard in the U.S. is 1,000 uW/cm2. Russia and China have an exposure standard of 10 uW/cm2. The BioInitiative Report recommends 0.1 uW/cm2 as a protective standard for RFR exposure. The reason the U.S. RFR standard is so much higher than the standard in other countries is because our government denies that there are cumulative non thermal biological effects from RFR exposure.

According to Norbert Hankin, with the Radiation Protection Division of the EPA: "The FCCs current exposure guidelines…are thermally based, and do not apply to chronic, non-thermal exposure situations…. Therefore, the generalization that the guidelines protect human beings from harm by any or all mechanisms is not justified.”

Scientists, doctors and governmental agencies worldwide have issued warnings, restrictions and resolutions urging limiting exposure to EMF/RF. Due to the numbers of people suffering from symptoms of EHS, medical doctors and scientists have issued resolutions stating that there is a more sensitive population to RFR and that antennas should not be sited near homes, schools and hospitals. These run from the Vienna Resolution in 1998 through to the Porto Alegre Resolution in 2009.

In 2009 three U.S. Governors, of Florida, Connecticut and Colorado, declared Electrohypersensitivty Awareness months.

In May, 2009 the LA Unified School District, which restricts cell towers on school property passed a resolution attempting to restrict antennas near school property and in April, 2009, the EU Parliament adopted, by 559 votes to 22, with 8 abstentions, a resolution on health concerns associated with electromagnetic fields (EMFs) which includes criteria for setting up [Cell Towers] and high-voltage power lines. They state: “In this context, it is important to ensure at least that schools, crèches [nursery schools], retirement homes, and health care institutions are kept clear, within a specific distance determined by scientific criteria, of facilities of this type.”

The Vancouver School Board (VSB) passed a resolution in January 2005 that prohibits construction of cellular antennas within 1000 feet (305 m) from school property.
Palm Beach County, Florida, the city and county of Los Angeles, California, and New Zealand have all prohibited cell phone base stations and antennas near schools due to safety concerns. The decision not to place cell antennas near schools is based on the likelihood that children are more susceptible to this form of radiation.

In January 2008, the National Research Council (NRC), an arm of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering, issued a report saying that we simply do not know enough about the potential health risks of long-term exposure to RF energy from cell phones themselves, cell towers, television towers, and other components of our communications system. The scientists who prepared the report emphasized, in particular, the unknown risks to the health of children, pregnant women, and fetuses as well as of workers whose jobs entail high exposure to RF (radiofrequency) energy. The report called for long-term safety studies on all wireless devices including cell phones, computers, and cell phone towers and states:
“Wireless networks are being built very rapidly, and many more base station antennas are being installed. A crucial research need is to characterize radiated electromagnetic fields for typical multiple-element base station antennas and for the highest radiated power conditions with measurements conducted during peak hours of the day at locations close to the antennas as well as at ground level.”
Please contact me if you have any questions or comments. The people who will have chronic long term exposure to the RFR from the transmitters, such as neighbors, teachers and administrators, will be the most susceptible to harm from the cell tower. Walt Whitman students and the children at the River Road Unitarian Universalist Nursery School are also more susceptible to harm as their skulls are thinner and absorb more radiation and the nearby transmitters will add to their cumulative life time RFR burden. Please take action to protect those who are most vulnerable.

Best regards,

Angela Flynn

Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty. Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

Angela Flynn
Wireless Radiation Alert Network
WRAN301-229-0282
FAX 301-229-4752

On January 27, 2010, the PTSA sent the following e-mail to the Whitman community:

We have previously advised the Whitman community that T-Mobile has proposed to construct a replacement lightpole containing a cellular antenna on the Whitman baseball field.

The PTSA’s goal is to ensure an open, balanced and informed process that reflects the Whitman community’s views. This process has included providing notices to the school community of the proposal. Specifically, Whitnet and Whitcom postings since November have advised the community of the November 17 meeting when T-Mobile presented its plans, balloon tests in November and January, and the upcoming February 10 Community Open House.

The PTSA encourages the Whitman community to participate in the next steps in the process:

1. Community Open House - T-Mobile will hold a Community Open House on February 10, from 7-8:30 pm at Whitman. The Open House will include representatives who can share their plans and answer questions one-on-one.

We strongly encourage members of the Whitman school community and neighborhood to attend the Open House.

2. T-Mobile materials are available on Whitman website at http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/whitmanh s/events/ 2009/WALT_ WHITMAN_INFO_ SHEET_HSM_ REV_1-19_ FINAL1.pdf

3. The PTSA continues to encourage comment through emails to whitmanmdptsa@yahoo.com and through posts on Whitcom by Whitcom subscribers.

4. The February 16 PTSA meeting agenda will include discussion of the proposal and a determination whether to support, oppose, or take no position on the proposal. In making this determination, the meeting may include a vote by members who are present. Results of the PTSA meeting will be communicated to MCPS and Montgomery County decision-makers.

Sue Kanter and Vicky Strella
Co-Presidents

On January 25, 2010, Whitman High School neighbors received a hand-distributed letter containing information and background on the T-Mobile cell tower proposal.

On January 23, 2010, the residents of Kenwood Park received their copy of the Kenwood Park Citizens Association newsletter that contained an article concerning the T-Mobile cell tower proposal.

On January 21, 2010, neighbors of Whitman High School received the following letter from T-Mobile concerning a new date for the Community Open House:

January 11, 2010

Dear Walt Whitman High School Neighbor:

You are invited to attend a Community Open House on February 10 to learn more about T-Mobile's plans to improve wireless broad band communications coverage in the area. T-Mobile is working with the Montgomery County School system to replace a baseball field light with a new lightpole. T-Mobile's antennas will be enclosed within the pole which will significantly improve wireless broadband communications in the community.

Following up on the November 17 meeting last fall, we want to give you the opportunity to learn more about our proposal in an informal setting where you can ask one-on-one questions.

The Community Open House will be held on Wednesday February 10, from 7 to 8:00 PM at Walt Whitman High School. T-Mobile and Montgomery County Public Schools representatives will be on-hand to share the plans and answer questions one-on-one in this informal gathering. Feel free to let your neighbors know about this meeting. Note
that the January 26 open house has been cancelled due to conflicts with
school events at Walt Whitman High School and Pyle Middle School.

On January 10, 7:30 - 8:30 AM, T-Mobile launched a balloon at the site to test for visibility. Photosimulations of the results will be available at the open house.

Should you have any further questions regarding this project please do not hesitate to contact me at 443-570-0014.

Sincerely,

Hillorie S. Morrison Network Building & Consulting Agent for T-Mobile

On January 19, 2010, the PTSA leadership sent the following e-mail to the Whitman community:

Due to conflicts with Whitman cluster events, TMobile's Community Open House, originally scheduled for Jan. 26, HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED for Feb. 10, 7-8:30 pm. Attendance by members of the Whitman Community is encouraged.

_____________________________________________________________________

January 19, 2010

Dear Walt Whitman High School Neighbor:

You are invited to attend a Community Open House on February 10 to learn more about T-Mobile's plans to improve wireless broad band communications coverage in the area. T-Mobile is working with the Montgomery County School system to replace a baseball field light with a new lightpole. T-Mobile's antennas will be enclosed within the pole which will significantly improve wireless broadband communications in the community.

Following up on the November 17 meeting last fall, we want to give you the opportunity to learn more about our proposal in an informal setting where you can ask one-on-one questions.
The Community Open House will be held on Wednesday February 10, from 7 to 8:00 PM at Walt Whitman High School. T-Mobile and Montgomery County Public Schools representatives will be on-hand to share the plans and answer questions one-on-one in this informal gathering. Feel free to let your neighbors know about this meeting. Note that the January 26 open house has been cancelled due to conflicts with school events at Walt Whitman High School and Pyle Middle School.
On January 10, 7:30 - 8:30 AM, T-Mobile launched a balloon at the site to test for visibility. Photosimulations of the results will be available at the open house.

Should you have any further questions regarding this project please do not hesitate to contact me at 443-570-0014.

Sincerely,

Hillorie S. Morrison Network Building & Consulting Agent for T-Mobile

On January 16, 2010, the following message was sent to the Kenwood Park community via its Listserver:

Subject: [Kenwood Park Listserv] Cell Tower on Whitman Sports Fields (MSG:499326718)

Thank you for all your very thoughtful responses.

This email is to let you know that the Whitman PTSA has changed the agenda for its January 19 meeting.

Further exploration and discussion of the T-Mobile proposal to build a lightpole with cell phone antennas near the Whitman baseball field has been deferred until the following PTSA meeting.

That meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 16, at 7:30 pm, in the Media Center.

Please mark your calendars and attend this meeting, AND MAKE YOUR VOICE COUNT.

It is important to note that you do not have to be a parent, teacher, or student to join the PTSA as all members of the community are welcome. If as a Kenwood Park resident you want to affect decisions reached by the Whitman PTSA that directly concern Kenwood Park, the only way to do it is to become a voting member of the PTSA. In the end, it's an all around win/win--the PTSA gets your much-needed dues and you get the power of a vote. It's easy to join--you don't have to go anywhere, just follow this link: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/whitmanhs/parents/ptsa/ptsa.shtml.

On January 12, 2010, via email, the PTSA leadership announced a change of plans for its meeting:

This is a reminder of the January 19 PTSA meeting and to inform you of a change to the January meeting agenda.

The January 19 PTSA meeting will take place in the Media Center beginning at 7:30 pm. Further exploration and discussion of the T-Mobile proposal to build a lightpole with cell phone antennas near the Whitman baseball field has been deferred until the following PTSA meeting. That meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 16, at 7:30 pm, in the Media Center.

With respect to the T-Mobile proposal, the PTSA encourages parents/guardians, teachers and students interested in learning more about the proposal to attend the January 26 Open House hosted by T-Mobile at Whitman.

On January 11, 2010, T-Mobile sent an invitation to a “Community Open House:”

January 11, 2010

Dear Walt Whitman High School Neighbor:

You are invited to attend a Community Open House on Tuesday, January 26 to learn more about T-Mobile's plans to improve wireless broad band communications coverage in the area. T-Mobile is working with the Montgomery County School system to replace a baseball field light with a new lightpole. T-Mobile's antennas will be enclosed within the pole which will significantly improve wireless broadband communications in the community.

Following up on the November 17 meeting last fall, we want to give you the opportunity to learn more about our proposal in an informal setting where you can ask one-on-one questions.
The Community Open House will be held on Tuesday January 26 from 7 to 8:00 PM at Walt Whitman High School. T-Mobile and Montgomery County Public Schools representatives will be on-hand to share the plans and answer questions one-on-one in this informal gathering. Feel free to let your neighbors know about this meeting.
On January 10, 7:30 - 8:30 AM, T-Mobile launched a balloon at the site to test for visibility. Photosimulations of the results will be available at the open house.

Should you have any further questions regarding this project please do not hesitate to contact me at 443-570-0014.

Sincerely,

Hillorie S. Morrison Network Building & Consulting Agent for T-Mobile

On January 10, 2010, in response to a report by wusa 9News Now, we took a photo of the cell tower at Tilden Middle School, which--according to the news reporter is identical to the proposed cell phone tower at Whitman High, in that it has the antennas mounted inside its shaft. To the right is the photo we took of the Tilden Middle School cell phone tower. Below is a video of the tower. The Tilden tower is considerably shorter (75 feet) than the proposed Whitman tower (120 feet), and is within only a few feet from the school building. We do not know whether the radio frequency emissions are directed away from the school building or not. (The direction of radio frequency emissions can be controlled.)

On January 10, 2010, (Sunday) in order to simulate the height of the cell phone tower, T-Mobile flew a balloon, between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. Below are two videos of the balloon test, taken at 7:40 am. The camera is facing west. As is evident from the videos, the wind was blowing the balloon to a location lower than the actual cell phone tower's height.

Below is a video from an east-facing vantage point of the same T-Mobile balloon test held on January 10, 2010. In addition to the T-Mobile balloon, one can see, in the background, how close houses on Clearwood Road are. One can also see a journalist from Whitman's Black and White newspaper taking a picture as the balloon blows in the wind.

While we were filming, T-Mobile moved the balloon to a non-proposed location two light poles further west. The unannounced change took us by surprise. Below is a picture of the non-proposed location taken during the balloon test. The non-proposed location is highlighted by a red oval.

Below is a video of a west-facing vantage point of the non-proposed location balloon test.

Below is a video of a westerly view of the T-Mobile balloon test as seen from Clearwood Road. The balloon appears much lower than the actual proposed height of the pole because the wind was blowing it down and because it was not in the proposed location. T-Mobile never announced to the community that it would be changing the location of the balloon during the test.

On January 4, 2010, T-Mobile sent the following letter to neighbors of Whitman High:

January 4, 2010

Dear Walt Whitman High School Neighbor:

On November 17, 2009, T-Mobile representatives met with community representatives and Walt Whitman High School PTSA members regarding T-Mobile's plans to improve wireless broad band communications coverage in your area. T-Mobile is working with the Montgomery County School system to replace a baseball field light with a new lightpole. T-Mobile's antennas will be enclosed within the pole which will significantly improve wireless broadband communications in the community.

On January 10, 7:30 -8:30 AM, T-Mobile will launch a balloon at the site to test for visibility. (Bad weather date January 17, 7:30 - 8:30 AM). The early morning time is needed to minimize the possibility of higher winds which generally occur later in the morning. Feel free to let your neighbors know about the balloon test.

T-Mobile is also planning a Community Open House to give you the opportunity to learn more about our proposal in an informal setting where you can ask one-on-one questions. The meeting date has not been finalized. You will receive an invitation to the meeting.

Should you have any further questions regarding this project please do not hesitate to contact me at 443 -570-0014.

Sincerely,

Hillorie S. Morrison
Network Building & Consulting
Agent for T-Mobile

On December 7, 2009, the Whitman PTSA sent an email announcing:

The January 19, 2010 agenda for the Whitman PTSA meeting will include the T-Mobile proposal to build a lightpole with cellular telephone antennas near the Whitman baseball field. The meeting will allow for further exploration and discussion of this topic among PTSA members, and will be the opportunity for Whitman PTSA members to have input into the decision whether the proposal will be accepted at Whitman.

For those who remember the proposal to build a cellular antenna at Pyle, please note that the process for approval has changed. The input of the school community is sought at an earlier stage of the process, and is taken very seriously at MCPS. Thus, no decisions have been made about the proposal by any entity, and no decisions will be made until after January 19.

The Jan. 19 meeting is a follow up to a community meeting held by T-Mobile representatives at Whitman on Nov. 17, attended by about 50 local residents and Whitman parents.

A description of the T-Mobile proposal and copies of the site plans are on the Whitman website at http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/whitmanhs/events/2009/T_mobile_2009.shtml

On the same day, the following message was sent to the Kenwood Park community via its Listserver:

Subject: [Kenwood Park Listserv] Cell Tower on Whitman Sports Fields (MSG:499325720)

On January 19, 2010, the Whitman PTSA meeting will include the T-Mobile proposal to build a cell phone tower between the Whitman baseball field and the Whitman Football Field. The meeting will be held in the Whitman High School Media Center at 7:30 PM.
The meeting is being held to further explore and discuss this topic. The Jan. 19 meeting is a follow up to the meeting held on Nov. 17 by T-Mobile representatives. That meeting followed a Whitman PTSA meeting.
The law requires that carriers in addition to T-mobile be allowed to co-locate on the same proposed tower for their cellular and other use; this will inevitably increase the intensity of the microwave emissions from that tower.
Kenwood Park residents are directly impacted by the microwaves (Radio Frequency) that will emanate 24/7 from the proposed T-Mobile tower. The cellular industry is evolving. Once the tower is in place, it will be impossible to predict its future use and how intense its microwave emissions eventually will be. Scientific studies of the biological effects of radio frequency emissions take about 40 years to complete. As of now, studies are at most 10 years old, so the law is silent as to the non thermal effects of radio frequency emissions.

It is important to note that you don't have to be a Whitman parent to join the Whitman PTSA or attend its meetings, as any member of the community is welcome to attend and to become a voting member.

Although Whitman High stands to earn a yearly income from this installation, it cares about its neighbors. Remember, MONEY is at stake, and in these strained economic times there will be many who are easily seduced by the prospect of an easy dollar. When weighed against easy money, potential health risks are sometimes ignored; don't let this happen. Put the date on your calendar and please attend this meeting.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) "there are gaps in knowledge still needing to be filled before better health risk assessments can be made on the POSSIBLE health effects of exposure to many parts of the frequency spectrum." http://www.who.int/peh-emf/research/en/

Already in 1999, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) concluded (and it maintains this position to date) that "in general, while the possibility of 'non-thermal' biological effects may exist, whether or not such effects might indicate a human health hazard is not PRESENTLY known. Further research is needed to determine the generality of such effects and their possible relevance, if any, to human health. IN THE MEANTIME, standards-setting organizations and government agencies continue to monitor the latest experimental findings to confirm their validity and determine whether alterations in safety limits are needed in order to protect human health." http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/Documents/bulletins/oet56/oet56e4.pdf

In the end, it is up to you to decide whether or not the possible health risks are worth the gamble, and whether or not easy money for Whitman High is just the right price. Again, put the date on your calendar and please attend this meeting.

A description of the T-Mobile proposal and copies of the site plans are on the Whitman website at http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/whitmanhs/events/2009/T_mobile_2009.shtml

On November 17, 2009, T-Mobile presented its proposal to the Whitman community after a PTSA meeting. Specifically, the proposal consists of taking down one of the school's 48-foot athletic light poles at the baseball field and erecting a 120-foot cell phone "monopole" tower--in its place. The monopole will have the height of a 12 story building and have a 12-foot circumference. In order to replace the removed baseball field light T-Mobile would attach lights to the monopole at 48 feet. Inside the monopole, T-Mobile, and co-locating carriers, would house their antennae. T-Mobile's site plan and zoning map show the location of the proposed monopole tower.

At the presentation, T-Mobile announced its intention to hold a follow up community meeting with no specified date.

FRAUDULENT PHOTOSIMULATION

2010-03-13T23:11:00.000-08:00

T-Mobile's photosimulation is a fraud. The cell tower's location is false, its width is false, and the present light pole has been doctored:

The photosimulation shows a false location for the proposed cell tower. Rather than superimposing the proposed cell tower over the light pole that T-Mobile intends to replace, the proposed cell tower is shown set further back and further to the left, so that it appears lower and better hidden by trees.
The photosimulation has been doctored. The image of the light pole that T-Mobile intends to replace has been smudged to make it less obvious that the simulated cell tower is shown at a false location.
The photosimulation shows a false width for the proposed cell tower. It makes the proposed cell tower appear as if it had the same width as the existing light poles. In fact, with a diameter of 47 inches, the proposed cell tower is more than three times as wide as the existing light poles, which have a diameter of 15 inches.

To access a larger version of this photo, click on photo.

To access T-Mobile's original photosimulation, please click this link.

AN ALTERNATIVE TO A CELL TOWER

2010-03-13T17:12:00.000-08:00

Did you know that T-Mobile does not have to erect a 12-story-high cell tower on the Whitman school grounds in order to improve coverage in the area? In fact, there are alternate locations at which T-Mobile can set up its antennas. Also, an alternate technology exists that is visually much less intrusive and involves antennas operating at much lower power levels. It is called a Distributed Antenna System ("DAS").

The industry defines a DAS as "a network of spatially separated antenna nodes connected to a common source via a transport medium that provides wireless service within a geographic area or structure." (http://thedasforum.org/) What this means is that instead of having central, high-powered antennas emit from a single, tall cell tower (as in Diagram (a) to the right), a group of small, lower-powered antennas are mounted atop existing utility poles throughout the coverage area (as in Diagram (b)).

The photograph to the left shows such an antenna mounted on top of a standard utility pole. You may view a larger copy of this photograph by clicking this link.

Using a DAS would have the following advantages over the proposed cell tower:

1. The antennas would be located away from the school grounds. This would ameliorate the concerns that have been raised in the community related to a potential health risk for school-aged children.

2. This would avoid using school grounds for non-educational, commercial purposes.

3. It would avoid the industrial appearance of a tall tower, that would severely interfere with the character of the surrounding residential neighborhood.

4. The antennas would blend in with the existing utility poles and barely be noticeable.

5. Each antenna's power output would be lower.

In fact, T-Mobile and the wireless industry as a whole have in various ways endorsed and advocated using DAS:

T-Mobile is a founding member of The DAS Forum, which describes itself as "the only national network of leaders focused exclusively on shaping the future of DAS as a viable complement to traditional macro cell sites and a solution to the deployment of wireless services in challenging environments." (http://thedasforum.org/about/who.php.)
In a filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the cell phone industry association CTIA recently emphasized that "placing wireless communications equipment on existing electric utility distribution poles is ... important in residential neighborhoods and areas where consumers expect wireless coverage but oppose the aesthetic impact of larger wireless towers." (In the Matter of A National Broadband Plan for Our Future, FCC GN Docket No. 09-51, Reply Comments of CTIA-The Wireless Association at 14 (July 21, 2009); click this link to access this document.)

Using a DAS has already been considered in Montgomery County as an alternative to a T-Mobile cell tower on public school grounds. In 2006, when T-Mobile applied to install a cell tower on the grounds of Julius West Middle School in Rockville, T-Mobile was asked to comment on the use of a DAS as an alternative, in order to minimize the visual impact on the neighborhood. In that particular case, a DAS turned out not to be a viable option because all utilities in the area were underground and no utility poles existed to which a DAS could be attached. (City of Rockville Planning Commission Staff Report re: Special Exception Application SPX2005-00364 (Nov. 9, 2006); click this link to access the Report.) Faced with intense community opposition, Montgomery County Public Schools ultimately decided not to proceed with this cell tower application.

Moreover, when T-Mobile first proposed to erect a cell tower on the Whitman school grounds, it was already fully aware that this proposal would generate intense opposition in the community. First, the Whitman community is notorious for such opposition ever since it defeated a cell tower proposal at Pyle Middle School in 2005. Second, the neighboring communities of Wootton and Walter Johnson High Schools also successfully warded off cell tower proposals in 2005. Third, T-Mobile itself has testified about its experience with "thousands of school boards about locating [cell towers] on their properties, and that where there is opposition in the community to the construction of a [cell tower], such opposition is likely to be intensified if the proposed location of the [cell tower] is on school property." (T-Mobile v. City of Anacortes, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, No. 08-35493 slip op. at n. 12 (July 20, 2009); click this link to access the Court's Opinion.)

Against this background, one may wonder why T-Mobile has not proposed using DAS technology instead of a cell tower on the Whitman school grounds. T-Mobile's reasons may include the following:

Installing a DAS would require T-Mobile to lease space from Pepco at the top of the utility poles on which T-Mobile would mount the antennas;
T-Mobile generates profits from leasing space on its cell towers to other cell phone companies, which it could not generate from a DAS. In fact, under the standard lease form used by MCPS for cell towers, T-Mobile would recoup a significant portion of its costs in constructing the cell tower, as well as collect monthly rental payments, from colocating cell phone carriers.
The Whitman school grounds include a relatively large area that could accommodate several additional cell towers while satisfying the set-back requirements under the Zoning Ordinance. (Click this link to access our separate post containing a map of that area.) As T-Mobile explained in a recent filing with the FCC, it holds licenses only in the upper frequency bands of the wireless spectrum, which require more antennas than lower frequencies. For this reason, and in order to accommodate rapidly increasing wireless traffic and new types of applications (streaming video, data transmissions, etc.), T-Mobile may soon require additional antennas within the Whitman area. To that end, T-Mobile may be planning to erect additional cell towers on the Whitman school grounds once the first cell tower is in place. At that point, it would be very difficult to convince the zoning authorities that adding a second cell tower next to an existing one would interfere with the character of the neighborhood. Indeed, many examples of such "twin towers" already exist in our area.

We note, however, that T-Mobile's relative profits are not elements to be considered by the County authorities in the zoning process. Maximizing the industry's profits also is not what Congress had in mind when it intended to encourage the deployment of wireless broadband service to all of America by passing such federal legislation as the Telecommunications Act of 1996 or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Indeed, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 expressly preserved local zoning authority over "placement, construction, and modification" of cell towers. We have a right to use the zoning laws to protect our neighborhood.

T-MOBILE'S SLEIGHTS OF HAND

2010-03-05T07:25:00.000-08:00

Montgomery County law requires that the community's input be sought after a cell tower application is made. (Click this link to access Montgomery County Executive Regulation 14-96, and click this link to access MCPS Policy ECN, both establishing the requirement to reach out to the community and seek its input.)

In reaching out to the community, T-Mobile has employed a strategy of half truths and gamesmanship since it first presented its proposal to install a cell tower at Whitman High School.

1. In all of its documents distributed to the community (listed below), T-Mobile has consistently described the proposed 120-foot cell tower not as a cell tower but as a "lightpole:"

T-Mobile's October 2009 e-mail to the PTSA, which was published on the school's website (but now has been removed), states that T-Mobile is "interested in installing a 120' high lightpole." (Click this link to access a copy of the e-mail.)

T-Mobile's architectural drawing of the proposed cell tower's elevation, which was posted on the school's website in advance of the November 17, 2009 presentation (but now has been removed) is entitled "Light Pole Elevation." (Click this link to access the drawing.)
T-Mobile's fact sheet that was distributed at the November 17, 2009 presentation states that T-Mobile "proposes replacing an existing baseball field light with a new lightpole." (Click this link to access the fact sheet.)
T-Mobile's January 4, 2010 letter to neighbors of Whitman High School states that "T-Mobile is working with the Montgomery County School system to replace a baseball field light with a new lightpole." (Click this link to access the letter.)
T-Mobile's January 11, 2010 letter to neighbors of Whitman High School contains the identical statement: "T-Mobile is working with the Montgomery County School system to replace a baseball field light with a new lightpole." (Click this link to access the letter.)
T-Mobile's January 19, 2010 letter to neighbors of Whitman High School also contains that statement: "T-Mobile is working with the Montgomery County School system to replace a baseball field light with a new lightpole." (Click this link to access the letter.)
T-Mobile's January 2010 fact sheet that was posted on the school website on January 29, 2010 refers to the proposed cell tower four times as a "light pole" or the "Whitman light pole." (Click this link to access the fact sheet.)
T-Mobile's February 23, 2010 letter to neighbors of Whitman High School, which was posted on the school website on February 25, 2010, states that "T-Mobile is working with the Montgomery County School system to replace an existing baseball field light with a new lightpole at Whitman High School." (Click this link to access the letter.)

2. In its set of site plans and architectural drawings, T-Mobile presented a not-to-scale elevation of the proposed cell tower and thereby visually concealed the cell tower's true height. (Click this link to access T-Mobile's plans and drawings.) The cell tower's true height can be appreciated on a to-scale drawing of the cell tower provided by a neighbor. This drawing includes school buildings to show the height of the tower relative to the height of the buildings. (Click this link to access the to scale drawing.)

3. In both balloon tests, T-Mobile's conduct prevented community members from observing those tests:

On November 7, 2009, T-Mobile ended its balloon test one hour before the announced time, claiming that the wind was too strong. The announcement of the balloon test stated that T-Mobile would conduct its balloon test "on Saturday, November 7, between 8 and 11 AM (raindate, Sunday November 8, 8-11 AM)." Yet, by 10 a.m., T-Mobile had taken down the balloon, preventing community members from observing the balloon test between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
On November 8, 2009, the raindate, T-Mobile did not conduct a balloon test, yet it was a beautiful, windless day.
On January 4, 2010, T-Mobile announced that it would conduct a second balloon test on January 10, 2010 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (Click this link to access T-Mobile's January 4, 2010 letter.)
On January 10, 2010, T-Mobile conducted its second balloon test, yet in the midst of doing so, T-Mobile suddenly moved the balloon to a different location, unannounced. The new location was closer to Pyle Road and further away from Clearwood Road. This prevented community members who had relied on T-Mobile's announcement from observing the balloon test at the proposed cell tower location during one half of the announced time frame.

4. In its balloon tests, T-Mobile misrepresented the true height of the proposed cell tower:

Throughout both of T-Mobile's balloon tests, strong wind caused the balloon to veer off significantly from the proposed cell tower site and to fly at a much lower altitude than 120 feet.
Moreover, when T-Mobile moved the balloon during its January 10, 2010 balloon test, it had the immediate effect of making the balloon look even lower than at the proposed location, when viewed from Clearwood Road. Clearly, any photographs subsequently taken from Clearwood Road will show the balloon as flying lower than from its original location. To view our videos and photographs of the January 10, 2010 balloon test, please click this link.

5. In its presentation on November 17, 2009, T-Mobile attempted to hide information about alternate sites for its antennas:

T-Mobile's representatives avoided answering community members' questions about alternate sites for its antennas. Yet, T-Mobile is legally obligated under MCPS Policy ECN to "show evidence of pursuit of co-location with other vendors and/or existing facilities." (Click this link to access MCPS Policy ECN.)
T-Mobile's representatives stated that T-Mobile already had antennas installed at two existing alternate sites close to Whitman High School--the water towers at Radnor Road and the cell tower in the Kenwood Club at Goldsboro Road. Yet, a review of Montgomery County's database reveals that T-Mobile does not have antennas installed at those locations. (Click this link to access the database.)
T-Mobile's representatives also stated that it was technically impossible to install any cell phone antennas on the WDCA Tower, located off of River Road at the Capital Crescent Trail bridge, because, as they said, that was an AM radio tower, and any installation of cell phone antennas on that tower would cause interference with the AM radio antenna. Yet, in fact multiple cell phone antennas are attached to that tower, as anyone driving down River Road can see, and as the Montgomery County database confirms. (Click this link to access the database.)

6. In its November 17, 2009 presentation, T-Mobile misrepresented the required county review process in a blatant attempt to lead one to believe that the community is powerless and cannot prevent the installation of the proposed cell tower. For greater detail on the process, please click this link to access our separate post about this issue.

T-Mobile claims that it does not need a special exception. Yet, in this case, T-Mobile must apply for a special exception.
T-Mobile claims that MCPS (which has a partial monetary interest in the outcome) has the authority to make the final decision on the application. Yet, it is the independent Board of Appeals (an independent quasi-judicial body) that has the authority to grant or deny the application.

For further details, please click this link to access our separate post about the process.

T-MOBILE DOCUMENTS

2010-03-01T22:15:00.000-08:00

This post contains links to important documents made available by T-Mobile concerning its cell tower proposal:

T-Mobile's October 2009 e-mail to the Walt Whitman PTSA describing its proposal (which was originally posted on the school's website but now has been removed) (click this link to access the document)
T-Mobile's fact sheet made available at T-Mobile's November 17, 2009 presentation at Walt Whitman High School (click this link to access the document)
T-Mobile's site plans showing the location of the proposed tower and equipment on the school grounds, and containing an architectural drawing of the proposed tower (click this link to access the document)
T-Mobile's zoning map showing more clearly how the proposed tower location relates to the surrounding homes and neighborhood (click this link to access the document)
T-Mobile's RF Emissions Compliance Report containing a calculation of the intensity of radio frequency emissions in relation to the distance from the proposed cell tower (click this link to access the document)
T-Mobile's January 4, 2010 letter announcing a balloon test on January 10, 2010 (click this link to access the document)
T-Mobile's January 11, 2010 letter inviting to a Community Open House at Walt Whitman High School (now scheduled for February 10, 2010, 7-8:30 p.m.) (click this link to access the document)
T-Mobile's January 2010 fact sheet posted on the Whitman PTSA web page on January 23, 2010 (click this link to access the document)
T-Mobile's January 2010 comparison with the 2005 Pyle Middle School cell tower proposal, posted on the Whitman PTSA web page on January 29, 2010 (click this link to access the document)
T-Mobile's February 23, 2010 letter inviting to a Community Open House at Walt Whitman High School (now scheduled for March 8, 2010, 7-8:30 p.m.) (click this link to access the document)
T-Mobile's photosimulations posted on the school's website on February 25, 2010 (click this link to access the document)
T-Mobile's chart of 911 calls posted on the school's website on February 25, 2010 (click this link to access the document)

ALTERNATE SITES ON WHITMAN CAMPUS

2010-02-07T20:29:00.000-08:00

Under the Zoning Ordinance, the location of the proposed 120-foot cell tower must satisfy the following two set-back requirements:

It must be 300 feet away from the nearest home and
It must be 120 feet (one foot of set-back for each foot of height) inside the school's property boundary.

According to T-Mobile's zoning map, the proposed location for its tower satisfies these two set-back requirements. (Click this link to see T-Mobile's zoning map.)

We thought it would be interesting to see what other locations within the Whitman campus would satisfy those set-back requirements. Click this link to view the zoning map with the set-back penciled in. Any location within the entire area marked in red would satisfy the two set-back requirements.

We do not know what other locations within this area T-Mobile has considered.

RELIABLE AND RESPECTED RESOURCES

2010-01-20T12:11:00.000-08:00

American Cancer Society, Cellular Phone Towers:

"Cellular phone towers ... are a relatively new technology, and we do not yet have full information on health effects. In particular, not enough time has elapsed to permit epidemiological studies."

(Click on this link to access the full webpage.)

Balmori, Alfonso, Electromagnetic Pollution from Phone Masts. Effects on Wildlife (2009)

Scientific article, to be published in Pathophysiology journal, concluding:

"pulsed telephony microwave radiation can produce effects especially on nervous,
cardiovascular, immune and reproductive systems:
- Damage to the nervous system by altering electroencephalogram,changes in neural response or changes of the blood–brain barrier.
- Disruption of circadian rhythms (sleep–wake) by interfering with the pineal gland and hormonal imbalances.
- Changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
- Impairment of health and immunity towards pathogens, weakness, exhaustion, deterioration of plumage and growth problems.
- Problems in building the nest or impaired fertility, number of eggs, embryonic development, hatching percentage and survival of chickens.
- Genetic and developmental problems: problems of locomotion, partial albinism and melanism or promotion of tumors.

In the light of current knowledge there is enough evidence of serious effects from this technology to wildlife. For this reason precautionary measures should be developed, alongside environmental impact assessments prior to installation, and a ban on installation of phone masts in protected natural areas and in places where endangered species are present. Surveys should take place to objectively assess the severity of effects."

(Click on this link to access the full article.)

BioInitiative Report: A Rationale for a Biologically-based Public Exposure Standard for Electromagnetic Fields (ELF and RF) (2007)

Report documenting the scientific evidence on electromagnetic fields:

"The purpose of this report is to assess scientific evidence on health impacts from
electromagnetic radiation below current public exposure limits and evaluate what changes in these limits are warranted now to reduce possible public health risks in the future.

Not everything is known yet about this subject; but what is clear is that the existing public safety standards limiting these radiation levels in nearly every country of the world look to be thousands of times too lenient. Changes are needed.

New approaches are needed to educate decision-makers and the public about sources of exposure and to find alternatives that do not pose the same level of possible health risks, while there is still time to make changes."

(Click on this link to access the full report.)

European Parliament Resolution of 2 April 2009 on Health Concerns Associated with Electromagnetic Fields:

"Calls for particular consideration of biological effects when assessing the potential health impact of electromagnetic radiation, especially given that some studies have found the most harmful effects at lowest levels; calls for active research to address potential health problems by developing solutions that negate or reduce the pulsating and amplitude modulation of the frequencies used for transmission;
...

Considers that ... it is in the general interest to encourage solutions ... to ensure at least that schools, crèches, retirement homes, and health care institutions are kept clear, within a specific distance determined by scientific criteria, of [GSM antennae]."

(Click on this link to access the full text of the resolution.)

Flynn, Angela, Cell Towers and Wireless Communications – Living with Radiofrequency Radiation

This is a thorough, dependable report summarizing and referencing many additional reliable and respected resources. (Click on this link to access the report.)

Hauman, Thomas, et al., HF-Radiation of GSM Cellular Phone Towers in Residential Areas:

"The GSM technology of wireless communication produces constant pulsed microwave radiationSignificant biological effects result from the non-thermal effects of extremely periodic - pulsed - HF-radiation... Official international and national standards and safety guidelines ... are still only taking into account the risk of thermal effects of high energy HF-radiation. Most of the official HF public exposure measurements are conducted to observe the percentage of the current standard with only broadband – not frequency selective - measurements. Only in very few cases one or more percent of the (thermal) guideline value is reached or exceeded close to antenna sites. Exposure recommendations based on non-thermal effects are by far lower by many magnitudes. Frequency selective measurements are necessary to observe the cellular base station downlink frequencies and differentiate from other radiation sources as FM radio or TV transmitters. Therefore, very limited information is available on the exposure to cellular base station radiation in residential areas at different distances and directions to antenna sites.

...

As long as the only basis for official standards for high frequency radiation are thermal effects and heating of the body tissue (ICNIRP, ANSI, IEEE, NCRP, FCC, SSK, WHO) there is no need for the industry to invest into less emitting and saver products. More and more scientists state that the view of energy absorption only is insufficient to describe the possible effects on human health. Potential biological effects need to be considered due to

1.) Non-thermal or low intensity levels of HF radiation,
2.) Chronic versus acute exposure and,
3.) Pulsed HF radiation, which is reported to be more bioactive than constant wave RF radiation.

...

From the scientific point of view, adverse human heath effects of non-thermal radiation levels cannot be exactly quantified, verified, or excluded at this time. Only limited toxicological information is available in respect to the widespread use and the economical impact of the cellular phone systems in industrial nations. On one side, there is always a demand for scientific proof for human adverse health effects and dose response when establishing official economically reasonable guideline exposure threshold values. On the other side, insufficient limit of detection, insufficient dosimetry and exposure control, and industry friendly research bias the risk assessment for long-term adverse health effects, especially in the field of the cellular phone industry. That makes it clear - that by definition - official guideline standard values can only limit the consequences of adverse health effects in the frame of the economical impact.
...

We recommend to follow the principle of prevention. This includes implementation of residential exposure minimization and prevention procedures in the frame of the technical feasibility as long as the non-thermal effects are not considered in any official standard and guideline. These will include especially sensitive locations as preschools, schools, hospitals, and residential areas. So far, no other technical aspects than interferences,system coverage and system performance are taken into account. By official definition, the cellular phone system covers an area when the signal strength of about 0.001 μW/m2 is reached. We expect that with little effort, cities, communities, and the providers will be able to significantly reduce the long term radiation exposures to cellular phone towers in residential areas."

(Click on this link to access the full report.)

International Association of Firefighters, Division of Occupational Health, Safety and Medicine, Position on the Health Effects from Radio Frequency/Microwave (RF/MW) Radiation in Fire Department Facilities from Base Stations for Antennas and Towers for the Conduction of Cell Phone Transmissions (2005)

Notes that current RF exposure guidelines "are based on non-continuous exposure;" and expresses concern about the non-thermal biological effects on firefighters "of living directly under ... antenna base stations for a considerable stationary period of time and on a daily basis;" and "oppose[s] the use of fire stations as base stations for towers and/or antennas ... until a study with the highest scientific merit and integrity on health effects of exposure to low-intensity RF/MW radiation is conducted and it is proven that such sitings are not hazardous to the health of [its] members."

(Click on this link to access the full paper.)

International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), Exposure to high frequency electromagnetic fields, biological effects and health consequences (100 kHz-300 GHz) (2009)

"Although the likelihood is low that fields emanating from base stations would create a health hazard, because of their weakness, this possibility is nevertheless a concern for many people. To date, no acceptable study on any outcome has been published on this. ...

Another gap in the research is children. No study population to date has included children, with the exception of studies of people living near radio and TV antennas. Children ... might be particularly susceptible to harmful effects (although there is no evidence of this), and they are likely to accumulate many years of exposure during their lives."

(Click on this link to access the full report.)

National Academies of Sciences: Identification of Research Needs Relating to Potential Biological or Adverse Health Effects of Wireless Communication Devices (2008)

Report concluded that important additional research needs to be done concerning “exposure to juveniles [and] children from … base station antennas” and the effects of radio frequency exposures.

(Click on this link to access the full report.)

University of Munich, Ongoing RF Research Studies and Latest Findings Where Available: Children and Adolescents (2009)

Overview of ongoing studies on health effects on children and adolescents.

(Click on this link to access the full paper.)

University of Ottawa, McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment:

"base stations give rise to whole body exposure 24 hours a day, for those who remain in the neighborhood. More studies of health effects need to be done …."

(Click on this link to access the full webpage.)

U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC): OET Bulletin 56: Questions and Answers about Biological Effects and Potential Hazards of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (1999):

"the possibility of 'non-thermal' biological effects may exist, whether or not such effects might indicate a human health hazard is not presently known. Further research is needed to determine the generality of such effects and their possible relevance, if any, to human health."

(Click on this link to access the full Bulletin.)

U.S. FCC: OET Bulletin 65: Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to
Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (1997): explains FCC guidelines

(Click on this link to access the full Bulletin.)

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the Cellular Communication & Internet Association (CTIA)

FDA web page pointing to the fact that a large number of studies conducted in the U.S. have been funded by the cell phone industry:

"FDA’s cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with the Cellular Communication & Internet Association (CTIA) has resulted in research projects focused on two topics- mechanistic studies related to genotoxicity and exposure assessment studies. All studies funded through the CRADA have been completed, and no association was found between exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation from cell phones and adverse health effects."

(Click on this link for access to the full webpage.)

World Health Organization: International Electromagnetic Fields Project:

"there are gaps in knowledge still needing to be filled before better health risk assessments can be made on the possible health effects of exposure to many parts of the frequency spectrum."

(Click on this link for access to the full webpage.)

T-MOBILE MEDIA CAMPAIGN

2010-01-20T03:00:00.000-08:00

Pursuing its own interest, T-Mobile has started a media campaign placing emphasis on the money to be earned from the cellular tower, as well as the need for the tower to improve cell phone reception, while making light of, or outright ignoring, the potential health hazards to students and the surrounding community. Moreover, all the media reports as of the posting of this blog entry have completely ignored the fact that other school communities have successfully argued against having cell phone towers on their school grounds because of the incomplete state of the science surrounding the potential health hazards to children as well as adults due to a 24/7 exposure to cell towers. T-Mobile campaign by "9NEWS NOW" can be seen on:

http://picasaweb.google.com/googabh/Jan112010_3?feat=directlink. You can also see the full report on: http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=95703.

T-Mobile campaign by The Gazette, and the Black and White:

http://www.gazette.net/stories/01062010/bethnew194202_32557.php and
http://www.theblackandwhite.net/2009/12/02/proposed-cell-tower-sparks-parent-debate/.

Concerning the Black and White, below we have reproduced a comment submitted by a neighbor to the online newspaper in response to the above-hyperlinked article. As of the date of this blog entry, that same “comment” has not been published. Because the author of the comment directly addressed the lack of accurate reporting, and because the act of not publishing critical “comments” may or may not be a form of censorship, we decided to reproduce it below so you can decide for yourself whether or not you feel the online newspaper is censoring critical observations about its form of journalism.

Blogger's Note :
After the posting of this blog the Black and White decided to post the critical observation we reproduced below. The makers of this blog applaud the Black and White editors for this decision.

Link to Pyle resolution

Link to Wootton decision

2000 dollars is a lot of money, but journalistic accuracy has a lot more worth. First, the T-Mobile presentation was not held during the PTSA meeting, it was held after the meeting had ended. The T-Mobile presentation was held for the benefit of the local and school community. Second, no shouting occurred, except that some people were seriously concerned about the issues and upset that their questions were not being answered. Third, the issue being ignored by T-Mobile representatives was that the science surrounding adverse health effects of radio frequency emissions of cellular towers has yet to be resolved because it takes about 30-40 years for those studies to be completed. In addition, the community articulated two alarming facts (disputed by the T-Mobile representatives): 1. that the World Health Organization (WHO) maintains that "there are gaps in knowledge still needing to be filled before better health risk assessments can be made on the possible health effects of exposure to many parts of the frequency spectrum." http://www.who.int/peh-emf/research/en/, and 2. the FCC maintains "the possibility of 'non-thermal' biological effects may exist, whether or not such effects might indicate a human health hazard is not presently known. Further research is needed to determine the generality of such effects and their possible relevance, if any, to human health." http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/Documents/bulletins/oet56/oet56e4.pdf.

We all know that Wootton High and Pyle Middle School vehemently opposed a cell tower on their school grounds and made similar health arguments to the ones that were made at the November 17 meeting. Because T-Mobile rejected any opposing argument, I decided to research this issue further. What my research revealed was that other very credible authorities have also raised the same concerns, for example: 1. Resulting from a study requested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a committee of the National Research Council of the National Academies has concluded that important additional research needs to be done concerning “exposure to juveniles [and] children from … base station antennas” and the effects of radio frequency exposures. http://www.nap.edu/catalog/12036.html. 2. In addition, the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) concluded that existing studies “have too many deficiencies to rule out an association” between radio frequency exposure and negative health effects. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1253668/. 3. Likewise, the University of Ottawa’s McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment concluded that “base stations give rise to whole body exposure 24 hours a day, for those who remain in the neighborhood. More studies of health effects need to be done….” http://www.rfcom.ca/primer/bases.shtml. 4. Finally, the American Cancer Society points out that “Cellular phone towers ... are a relatively new technology, and we do not yet have full information on health effects. In particular, not enough time has elapsed to permit epidemiological studies.” http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_1_3X_Cellular_Phone_Towers.asp?sitearea=PED.--Since paranoia seems to be the assumption, I do indeed hope all these organizations and the principals at Pyle and Wootton are not paranoid ....”

(sender’s name omitted)

THE PROCESS: WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

2010-01-20T00:40:00.000-08:00

T-Mobile representatives, the PTSA leadership, and the press variously have made reference to the process that must be followed before T-Mobile can erect the proposed cell tower. Yet, nobody has offered a clear description of the process, and the community is left in the dark about how it may offer its input and exercise its right to be heard.

Quoting an e-mail from T-Mobile, the Whitman High website said that "[t]he Montgomery County Planning Board would need to approve the installation." (Click this link to access the document.)
A fact sheet distributed by T-Mobile at its November 17, 2009 presentation states: "T-Mobile may continue forward with the County process, which includes a technical review by the Montgomery County Tower Review Committee, and thereafter review by M-NCPPC professional staff and Planning Board." (Click this link to access the fact sheet.)
On December 2, 2009, purportedly reporting about T-Mobile's November 17 presentation, The Black and White, Whitman High's school newspaper, said: "[t]he final decision will be subject to the approval of the Montgomery County Tower Review Committee and superintendent Jerry Weast." (Click this link to access the report.)
A January 8, 2010 report on 9News Now stated: "If Whitman's PTSA approves the tower, it would then be up to Superintendent Jerry Weast to sign off on it." (Click this link to access the report.)

Here is what we have found out so far about the process (please note that this not legal advice):

1. Tower Committee Review and Recommendation

Under Montgomery County law (click here), a private telecommunications carrier intending to install a cell tower on public school property must first submit an application for review and recommendation by the Telecommunications Transmission Facilities Coordinating Group (Tower Committee). The Tower Committee maintains an informative website (click here), including a description of the coordination process (click here).

The Tower Committee consists of representatives from various County agencies that own or use public land, and thus may be interested in leasing land to cell phone companies for the installation of cell towers. The current members of the Tower Committee are:

Margie Williams, Chair (Department of Technology Services-Cable Office)
Steve Batterden (Department of Public Works and Transportation)
John Cuff (Office of Management and Budget)
Carlton Gilbert (Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission)
Dave Niblock (Department of Permitting Services)
Martin Rookard (Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission-Telecom Network Group)
Mary Pat Wilson (Montgomery County Public Schools-Department of Facilities Management)
Helen Mu (Department of Technology Services)

(Click this link for their contact information.)

Although each County agency retains the right to decide for itself whether or not to go forward with a proposed cell tower lease, the Tower Committee process is intended to ensure a uniform application process, coordinate the siting of cell towers, and coordinate on policy issues.

Montgomery County also has appointed a Tower Coordinator who receives cell tower applications and coordinates review by the Tower Committee. The Tower Coordinator reviews tower applications for site suitability and checks whether alternative sites exist for a proposed tower, or whether the proposed antennas could be placed on existing towers or other structures (so-called "co-location" options); determines the applicable zoning standards, in particular whether the application is "by right" or requires a "special exception;" and looks into the effect of the proposed tower on the land owning County agency and the potential impacts on the surrounding areas. On this basis, the Tower Coordinator makes a siting recommendation to the Tower Committee for its consideration.

Upon receipt of the Tower Coordinator's siting recommendation, the Tower Committee discusses the application in a public meeting and issues a recommendation to the Montgomery County Planning Board. The meeting dates (as well as agendas and minutes of previous meetings) are published on the Tower Committee's website. (Click this link for access to the website.)

According to the database maintained by the Tower Coordinator, T-Mobile submitted its application already in March 2009. (Click this link for access to the database.) The County informed us that the application was incomplete, because it lacked required technical information, and for this reason the Tower Coordinator has not yet issued a recommendation. In addition, the County informed us that the Tower Committee would not be addressing T-Mobile's application until after T-Mobile and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) have completed obtaining and evaluating the public's input.

In its December 7, 2009 e-mail to the Whitman school community, the PTSA leadership emphasized that "The input from the school community is sought at an earlier stage of the process [than several years ago], and is taken very seriously at MCPS. Thus, no decisions have been made about the proposal by any entity, and no decisions will be made until after [the PTSA meeting now scheduled for February 16, 2010]."

2. Special Exception or Mandatory Referral?

Under Section 59-A-6.12(a) and (d) of the Zoning Ordinance, installation of a private telecommunications antenna on publicly owned land requires a special exception unless the antenna is proposed to be "attached to an existing structure owned or operated by a County ... agency." (Click this link to read the Zoning Ordinance.)

If a special exception is required, then the Montgomery County Planning Board reviews the application and makes a recommendation to the Board of Appeals. If a special exception is not required, then the Planning Board reviews the application and makes its recommendation to the County agency that owns the land (in this case: MCPS), which then makes the final decision on the application.

The Tower Committee's website (click here) explains the difference as follows:

Public Land - Private telecommunications antennas may be attached as a matter of right to an existing structure owned or operated by a county, bi-county, state or federal agency. If a carrier wishes to construct a new privately owned tower or monopole for the exclusive use of private telecommunications carriers on publicly owned land, a special exception is required. If the new tower or monopole will be used by a government agency, the application is submitted to the Planning Board rather than the Board of Appeals and the application goes through a public review process known as Mandatory Referral. Since this process is shorter (60 days maximum) and less costly than the special exception process, there is an incentive for applicants to work with government agencies to identify compatible uses with the government for facilities on public lands.

In 2007, the Tower Committee considered an application to install a cell tower at Watkins Mill High School that, just like T-Mobile's proposal for Whitman High School, also involved taking down a stadium light pole and erecting a cell tower in its place. Incidentally, T-Mobile then was represented by the same attorney, Sean Hughes, who is now representing T-Mobile in its Whitman High School application. At its meeting on July 11, 2007, the Tower Committee determined (1) that the cell tower was being built for private use and (2) that the antennas were not being attached to an existing structure because the existing light pole was to be removed. The Tower Committee concluded that, for these reasons, a special exception, rather than only a mandatory referral, was required. (Click this link to access the minutes of the Tower Committee's July 11, 2007 meeting.)

At a recent meeting of the Tower Committee, on April 1, 2009, with T-Mobile's attorney, Sean Hughes, present, an attorney from the County Attorney's Office confirmed:

... if a State or County agency wanted to construct a monopole for its own purposes, the proposed monopole would be reviewed through the Mandatory Referral process. T-Mobile, being a private entity, is subject to the County Zoning Code. Thus, they could attach to a public agency facility as permitting in 59-A-6.12 of the Zoning Code, but construction of a private use facility on public property would require approval of a Special Exception.

(Click this link to access the minutes of the Tower Committee's April 1, 2009 meeting.)

At T-Mobile's November 17, 2009 presentation at Whitman High School, T-Mobile's attorney, Sean Hughes, said that a special exception was not required for the proposed cell tower. The facts, however, do not support this statement:

Up until the light pole is taken down, it is an "existing structure," however, once the light pole is taken down, it is no longer in existence.
T-Mobile's cell tower is an entirely new structure that will not only contain all the antennas but will also have athletic lights attached to it.

For these reasons, given the law, a special exception is required here.

3. Planning Board

In any event, after the Planning Board receives the application, it is analyzed by the Department of Planning's Technical Staff. As recommended by the Montgomery County People's Counsel (click here), this is an opportunity for members of the public to voice their concerns and opinions. You may do so by contacting the lead reviewer or the zoning analyst assigned to the application, by writing them a letter, and/or by scheduling a meeting with them. Doing so will ensure that the Technical Staff will consider the public's views in preparing its Technical Staff Report to the Planning Board.

Upon receipt of the Technical Staff Report, the Planning Board will schedule a public hearing on the application. It posts the Technical Staff Report on its website approximately 10 days before the hearing. The hearing presents a formal opportunity for the public to present written and/or oral testimony. Note that there are strict time limits for oral testimony at the hearing.

Under the Mandatory Referral Process, the Planning Board then issues a recommendation to the land owning County agency, which then decides finally on the application.

If a special exception is required (and we believe it is in this case), the Planning Board's recommendation and the Technical Staff Report are then forwarded to the Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings for a second public hearing before a Hearing Examiner. As described by the People's Counsel (click here), this hearing has no time limits; it involves witness testimony and cross-examination; and the participants may submit exhibits. After the hearing, the Hearing Examiner prepares a Report and Recommendations for the Board of Appeals.

4. Board of Appeals

Upon receipt of the Hearing Examiner's Report and Recommendations, the Board of Appeals holds a public work session at which it discusses the Hearing Examiner's Report and votes on the application. The Board of Appeals may also decide to request further information from the Hearing Examiner. The Board of Appeals may grant parties of record the opportunity to present oral argument on the basis of the Hearing Examiner's Report.

5. Department of Permitting Services

T-Mobile's application requires a building permit regardless of whether the application goes through the Mandatory Referral or special exception process.

From: Alan_S_Goodwin@mcpsmd.org
To: whitnet@yahoogroups.com

From:	Whitmanmdptsa@yahoo.com
To:	whitnet@yahoogroups.com; whitcom@yahoogroups.com