Residents of Merced voiced strong opposition to the proposed installation of a cellphone tower near Chenoweth Elementary School during a recent planning commission meeting. Terry Pevsner, a local resident, expressed concerns about the tower's proximity to schools, questioning why a similar project was denied near Burbank Elementary but considered acceptable in this case. Pevsner suggested that placing the tower in a park, away from homes, might be a more suitable option.

Amy Verander, another resident, highlighted the unique characteristics of Merced's housing situation, noting that many homes are multi-generational and often have multiple vehicles parked outside, contradicting the notion of low-density housing. She emphasized the need for the community to attract doctors, citing challenges in recruiting medical professionals due to low school performance metrics. Verander argued that placing a cellphone tower near a prominent elementary school would not reflect well on the community's commitment to education and health.

Additionally, Verander raised concerns about a breakdown of trust with the Church of the Nazarene, questioning their transparency regarding the tower's emissions and maintenance. She expressed personal apprehension about the health implications of living near a cellphone tower, despite not having conducted extensive research on the topic.

The discussions reflect a broader community sentiment prioritizing health, education, and trust in local institutions as the planning commission considers the future of infrastructure in Merced.