Don't Cell Out Merrick

Don't Cell Out Merrick

To our elected officials,

We are writing in response to the 30 cell antennas placed in Merrick, NY in the summer of 2009. Four of these antennas were placed near elementary schools (Birch, Lakeside, Fayette, and Chatterton) and one was placed near our high school (Calhoun). Several others were placed near homes in the community.

Although we are aware that these antennas can not be legally fought on health issues, we also know that their location can be changed through planning and negotiation. The worldwide research shows that they have not been proven to be safe to our children and families. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics sites consistent evidence of an association between EMF fields and childhood leukemia. The Benvento and Venice Resolutions, published by the International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety and signed by numerous international doctors and scientists with advanced degrees in engineering and medicine, recommends that governments follow the precautionary principle and plan communications antenna and tower locations to minimize human exposure as well as designating wireless-free zones in schools and residential areas.

Many countries and states have already followed this recommendation, setting regulations prohibiting cell antennas near schools and homes as a precaution. This includes entities such as the School Boards of Los Angeles, Oregon, and Vancouver, The California State PTA, town boards in Maryland and Connecticut, as well as the France High Court and the European Parliament. .

Legislature David Denenberg along with Civic Association Leaders Claudia Borecky and Joe Baker have already demonstrated strong support and leadership on this issue. Dr. Melucci, the superintendent of elementary schools in Merrick, has posted a letter of support on the Merrick UFSD website. We have received over 400 letters from concerned parents and are asking you to join in keeping these antennas an appropriate distance from schools and homes.

At this time we are adamently calling for the immediate removal or relocation of antennas that are located within 1200 feet of the schools and homes in our community. We believe it is unconscionable that all elementary school children in our district are being exposed to radiation from these antennas every day while gong to school! We are also requesting that a safe zone is created around schools, homes, and day care centers of 1200 feet.

In addition, we request that the surrounding community receives advanced notice and is given a reasonable opportunity to respond prior to any other cell antennas being placed in the town of Merrick.

[Your name]