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Virginia Park Residents Oppose Proposed Cell Phone Tower

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK

jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com

Published: March 19, 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 began distributing newsletters last week 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 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 the 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.

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

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