COMMUNITY PETITION OPPOSING PROPOSED CELL TOWER AT SAUVIE ISLAND GRANGE

4/24/2026

We, the undersigned residents, neighbors, and community members of Sauvie Island and surrounding areas, formally express our strong opposition to the proposed cell tower project at the Sauvie Island Grange.

We have recently learned that the Grange entered into a contract for this project over a year ago and that a pre-application meeting occurred in December 2025. Despite these significant steps, nearby residents and the local school community were not informed or consulted at any point prior to or following these actions. This lack of transparency and community engagement is unacceptable.

Our concerns include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Lack of Transparency and Community Misrepresentation
Residents living nearby to the proposed site were not notified or given the opportunity to provide input before decisions were made. This undermines community trust and the Grange’s role as a community-centered institution.

2. Impact on Property Values
The placement of a cell tower in close proximity to homes may negatively affect property values, creating financial harm for nearby residents.

3. Proximity to Sauvie Island School (SIS)
The proposed location near a school raises serious concerns for families and may influence enrollment decisions, potentially impacting the long-term stability of the school.

4. Health and Safety Concerns
Many residents are concerned about long-term exposure to radiofrequency emissions, particularly for children. These concerns warrant careful consideration and community discussion.

5. Environmental and Wildlife Impacts
Sauvie Island is an ecologically sensitive area, home to migratory birds and wildlife. The addition of a cell tower may pose risks to these species and disrupt the natural environment.

6. Visual Impact and Community Character The proposed cell tower would introduce a significant visual blight to Sauvie Island’s rural and scenic landscape. Large monopole towers are industrial structures that are fundamentally out of character with the island’s open spaces, farmland, and natural viewsheds. Residents and visitors alike value Sauvie Island for its unique visual identity and unobstructed vistas; the addition of a prominent tower would disrupt this character, diminish the sense of place, and negatively affect overall quality of life. Similar community efforts have highlighted how such towers can create ongoing visual intrusion through their height, lighting, and associated equipment, fundamentally altering the aesthetic appeal of a neighborhood.

7. Questionable Long-Term Value
Other communities and school districts have reconsidered or declined to renew similar agreements after evaluating community impact. This raises concerns about whether this project is truly in the best long-term interest of Sauvie Island.

8. Concern About Lack of Broad Community Support
There is a growing perception that a significant portion of the Sauvie Island community opposes this project. Despite this, the project appears to be advancing without clear acknowledgment of that opposition.

9. Need for Public Awareness and Transparency
Given the level of concern, we believe it is important that the broader public—including local media—is made aware of the situation, including the proximity of the proposed tower to a school and the concerns of nearby residents.

10. Fairness and Consistency in County Decision-Making
Residents are concerned about whether this project will be evaluated with the same level of scrutiny typically applied to development on Sauvie Island, where permits are often difficult to obtain. The community expects a fair, transparent, and consistent review process.

We respectfully demand the following actions:

• Immediate pause of any further action related to this project
• Full disclosure of the contract and all related plans
• Proper notification of all affected residents and stakeholders
• A public community meeting to allow for open discussion and input
• Consideration of alternative locations that do not impact residential areas or school

The Sauvie Island Grange has long been a cornerstone of this community. We urge its leadership and county officials to act with transparency, integrity, and respect for the residents they serve.

We strongly oppose the proposed cell tower at this location and request that community voices be meaningfully considered before any further decisions are made.