WEST BROOKLYN — Residents of West Brooklyn are lining up in opposition to a proposed telecommunications tower in their neighbourhood.
EastLink is proposing a 76-metre cellphone tower at 316 West Brooklyn Rd., near Avonport. It would be on a 1.6-hectare site less than 304 metres from the nearest house.
"As part of our continued investment in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, we are well underway in designing and building infrastructure that will enable a world-class wireless service seamlessly throughout the province," EastLink spokeswoman Jill Laing said in an email message.
"To date, we have about 30 telecommunications sites under construction across the province. We continue to work closely with community stakeholders to ensure that telecommunications structures satisfy Nova Scotians’ wireless needs, while minimizing impact to the local community."
But Stanley Moeller, who lives across the road from the proposed site, said people in the community are unhappy with the location and want it moved farther away.
There are about 50 houses in the area, and residents are circulating a petition opposing the location. They are citing concerns about the impact on their health, environmental issues and property valuations.
According to its application with the Municipality of the County of Kings, EastLink plans to lease the land from an absentee landowner. Because the property is less than four hectares, it is not subject to an environmental assessment.
"We’re not saying don’t put it up here," Moeller said in a recent interview. "We’re saying we want the company to talk to us, hear our concerns and move it farther back from the houses.
"Why is an alternative site not possible?"
Moeller said he moved to the area, with its picturesque views of the Annapolis Valley and Cape Blomidon in the distance, because it is a quiet rural community.
"Why would you want to live in a rural place and then have an industrial tower plunked right in your backyard?" he asked.
Residents met last week to gather ammunition to fight the development. Under the consultation process, EastLink is hosting a public meeting at the West Brooklyn community hall tonight, beginning at 7 p.m. The company plans to provide information on the proposed tower and listen to feedback from residents.
"This is our one opportunity to express our concerns," said Moeller.
Ruth Legge lives with her daughter and young granddaughter less than 304 metres from the proposed tower.
"Basic quality of life is what it comes down to," Legge said in an interview. "We live here and it’s beautiful and unspoiled. This tower is just so out of place and inappropriate. I’m sure they could site it someplace where it’s not literally in people’s backyards."
She said the tower would block the panoramic view many houses in the area have.
"We love the view that we’ve got."
Legge said the site is close to a wetland and the guide wires would block a flight path for migratory birds.
Laing said the tower is not a done deal.
"This is a proposed location," she said in an interview. "This has not been finalized. . . . That’s precisely the reason for the public meeting, to get feedback and be able to answer questions and figure out the next step."
She said EastLink plans to launch its wireless service in 2012 to bring competition to Nova Scotia.
"We are in the process of developing a wireless voice and data network capable of supporting the most advanced applications and providing the best value for Nova Scotians."
She said the company’s entry into the wireless cellphone market could save consumers millions of dollars.
"Throughout Nova Scotia, we are identifying proposed locations to either co-locate on an existing telecommunications structure, our preferred option where feasible, or build a new one."
Moeller said a large contingent of residents plan to show up at the public meeting tonight.
"Even though we were given very short notice . . . the goal is clear. Our community simply does not want that tower in our neighbourhood."
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