Monks and Their Neighbors Fight New Cell Tower; Attorney Says “T-Mobile had not proven the need for a cell tower at that selected location”

By B.N. Frank

Decades of research have already determined that exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) from cell towers and other wireless “Wi-Fi” radiation emitting sources (including Bluetooth and 5G) is biologically harmful. A growing number of people worldwide are opposed to having cell towers installed near their homes and throughout their communities now including a group of Arizona monks and many of their neighbors.

From Inside Towers:

Monks Not Keen on Cell Tower

Pointing to the need to increase public safety, T-Mobile has proposed constructing a 90-foot cell tower in the desert community of Florence, AZ. While the structure would be 11 miles outside of downtown Florence, it would be a mere two miles away from St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery.

As The Florence Reminder Blade-Tribune reports, the plan has upset neighbors and monks alike who have contacted the Pinal County Board of Supervisors to share their objections. “Please protect the monastery,” Father Cyril implored the Board.

South Florence Volunteer Fire Department member, Perry Roumbos, was among the opponents, saying that he did not believe poor cell service was an issue. He suggested that if the Board were truly committed to saving lives, they would invest in another fire station.

Attorney Gianni Pattas spoke on behalf of the objectors, saying that T-Mobile had not proven the need for a cell tower at that selected location. He also stated that he believed that the resulting cell tower could end up even taller than the blueprint version if equipment needed to be added for additional carriers.

Having entertained comments from opponents, the Board also heard from T-Mobile spokesperson, Declan Murphy. Murphy underscored the need for a cell tower noting that “improving service obviously improves public safety.” He called the complaints “illogical,” explaining that the monastery apparently has three cell towers within their grounds already and maintains “an unlicensed network that’s not monitored, that should be actually a health concern. … This is a heavy-duty network that’s reliant on microwaves.”

After looking into the matter, Pattas later submitted a written notice advising that the towers were for HAM radio communications and were properly licensed.

Landowner Douglas Reber also weighed in saying that he was fully in support of the cell tower plan, noting that aesthetic concerns would be dampened with a camouflaged structure. He said that he was interested in building a store, restaurant, or hotel on his property and needs the reliable service that the T-Mobile cell tower would provide. “Every one of [the opponents] knows, without the monastery network, they have at best dodgy cell service from the regular carriers,” he told the Blade-Tribune.

A 3-1 vote by the Pinal County Board of Supervisors pushed the decision vote for the cell tower proposal onto their May agenda, allowing members additional time to further delve into the matter.