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South Tampa Neighbors Oppose Cell Tower Proposal

Tribune photo by JAMIE PILARCZYK

Virginia Park residents are opposing a proposed cell phone tower at Brewer and Sons Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 3328 S. Dale Mabry Highway, adjacent to the city’s Corona Park.

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK

Published: March 18, 2009

TAMPA - The possibility of a cell phone tower rising in their neighborhood has Virginia Park residents taking a stand.

"We don't want to dump it on another community," said Spencer Kass, president of the Virginia Park Residential Neighborhood Association. "But from the calls I've been receiving, they're 100 percent against it."

Association members voted to oppose the tower, proposed for 3328 S. Dale Mabry Highway, on land owned by Brewer and Sons Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

The site is adjacent to Corona Park, which the city and Virginia Park residents recently renovated.

"If nothing else, we want everyone to hear about it," Kass said.

Since association members last week began distributing newsletters with information about the proposed tower, Kass said he has heard only negative comments from the neighborhood of about 2,200 homes. People are worried about the structure's height, a possible reduction in property values and potential health risks from long-term exposure to radio frequency emissions from antennas attached to the tower.

T-Mobile spokeswoman Ann Brooks said the cell tower would be 80 feet tall and resemble a flagpole.

Tampa officials must consider whether to approve placing a cell tower at the site. A zoning hearing tentatively was set for April 30, but city officials have not received a final proposal from T-Mobile.

LaChone Dock, an urban planner with the city, said a hearing will be set, and nearby residents will be notified once T-Mobile submits a final plan.

Kass said the association asked T-Mobile representatives to consider reducing the tower to 40 feet, but the request wasn't met.

Brooks said the company will comply with any zoning restrictions if it receives permission to erect a tower.

Many Virginia Park residents were involved in a fight earlier this year against placing a cell phone tower at Coleman Middle School. Principal Michael Hoskinson ultimately sided with parents and neighbors who strongly opposed it, and no tower was built.

Brooks said the Virginia Park tower is not an alternative to the proposed Coleman Middle tower. It is in "a different search area," or geographic area. She said T-Mobile still is looking for an appropriate site as a replacement for the would-be campus location.

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 259-7661.

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