POINT PLEASANT - Getting a tax break is not worth jeopardizing good health, some residents say.
Last night, about 25 residents came to the Borough Council meeting to voice opposition over the planned installation of radio antennas on top of some of the borough's water towers.
Carrying a petition signed by residents who had concerns about the installation, Joan Atkins told the council that potential health risks, such as cancer, could come from electromagnetic waves that have been reported to be emitted from radio antennas. She added that the same perceived health risks could also result in decreased property values.
"I'm hoping that the council will listen to residents now before making a decision," Atkins said. "A lot of residents don't want it and I would hope that you would consider that in itself."
Borough Attorney Jerry Dasti said the electromagnetic waves that are sent from transmitting antennas would not be emitted from the proposed antennas because they would only receive signals.
The borough is soliciting bids from telecommunication companies who might be interested in leasing the top of their water towers to install antennas, a move Council President Ronald Morris says could increase the borough's revenue.
"We are trying to look for ways to save taxpayers money," Morris said. "But we don't have to do this. We will consider all the potential health risks. Nothing is worth the health of the residents."
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