Residents of Merced voiced strong opposition during a recent city meeting regarding the proposed construction of a cell phone tower near Chenoweth School. Concerns were raised about potential health risks, property value declines, and the overall impact on the community.

Tammy Davidson, a local realtor and parent, expressed her fears about the health implications for children attending the nearby school, citing studies linking cell tower radiation to low birth weight, developmental delays, and other serious health issues. She highlighted that property values could drop by 15 to 20 percent for homes in proximity to the tower, translating to significant financial losses for families in the area.

Cheryl White, a long-time resident and former elementary school teacher, echoed these sentiments, questioning whether city officials were genuinely listening to community concerns. She emphasized the pride residents take in their neighborhood and the desire to avoid having their homes affected by what they perceive as an unsightly and potentially hazardous structure.

Bridal Rodriguez, another resident, raised similar points, noting the aesthetic blight cell towers can create and the potential health risks associated with electromagnetic radiation. She suggested alternative locations for the tower, such as Healy Park or the city water tank, which could mitigate negative impacts on residential properties while still meeting telecommunications needs.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between community members and city officials as residents called for more consideration of their voices and concerns in the decision-making process. The city has yet to respond to the residents' demands, leaving many questioning the future of the proposed cell tower and its implications for their neighborhood.