As residents of Ashburn, we have always cherished the safety and tranquility of our neighborhood. Trailside Park is now under threat due to plans to construct a massive 150 foot tall cell phone tower right in the center of the Park.

Trailside Park is a heavily used twenty-acre park between an extensive family development and an elementary and middle school campus. It is adjacent to the nine-acre Beth Miller Park and the W&OD Trail. A cell phone tower here will affect people of all ages in our community and even adjacent communities who enjoy coming to Trailside Park. But it is particularly concerning for our children who spend a significant amount of time at the following:

• Trailside Middle School; Newton Lee Elementary School; Belmont Station Elementary School; Stonebridge High School
• Trailside Softball fields and batting cages
• Trailside playground
• Trailside hockey rink
• And our entire community next to Trailside Park

Cell phone towers emit radiofrequency radiation which, according to the American Cancer Society, can potentially lead to health risks if individuals are exposed over long periods or at high levels. The proximity of this proposed tower to our homes, schools and playgrounds increases these potential risks for our children.

Furthermore, studies show that property values can decrease by up to 10% in areas near cell towers due to perceived health risks (National Institute for Science Law & Public Policy). We cannot allow such a significant financial impact on our community.

Additional concerns: 

• the infrastructure required to support the cell phone tower including the 8 foot tall fence and the support building
• the continued maintenance, operation and addition of radio panels on the tower will cause constant disturbances
• potential deforestation in our beautiful Trailside park

We urge local authorities in Ashburn, VA not only to consider the economic implications but also to prioritize the health and well-being of its residents - especially the young ones who represent its future. We implore you all - concerned citizens - to join us in voicing your opposition against this construction project by signing this petition today!

 

The county points of contact regarding the application to build a cell tower at Trailside Park are: 

Mike.turner@loudoun.gov (Ashburn Board of Supervisors)

Allison.britain@loudoun.gov (project manager)

Eric.combs@loudoun.gov (Ashburn Planning Commission)

Dpz@loudoun.gov (department of planning and zoning)

 

Plan Number: LEGI-2023-0083: https://loudouncountyvaeg.tylerhost.net/prod/selfservice#/plan/D8B4E5D0-1286-42B8-9E81-E6C4A774329E

 

American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/radiation-exposure/cellular-phone-towers.html

How this cell phone tower may affect our home values: https://ehtrust.org/cell-phone-towers-lower-property-values-documentation-research/​

https://www.nar.realtor/cell-phone-towers