Letters to the Editor 3-24-16

Serious concerns
EDITOR: I am writing regarding the March 10, 2016 news story written by Amie Windsor regarding the placement of the KOWS radio tower at 1281 Pleasant Hill Road. She spoke to no member of the Sebastopol Hills Alliance for Rural Preservation (SHARP) prior to writing her story. I reached out and invited Ms. Windsor to meet with me and another member of SHARP to provide a more balanced perspective but she did not respond.
Our unincorporated community’s relationship with the City’s island at 1281 Pleasant Hill Road is now decades long. When the water tanks were being placed in the 1980s we had concerns as to the earthquake safety, possible flooding of nearby homes downgrade from the tanks and were reassured by City officials that they were indeed safe. Per our suggestion, they offered to paint them green to mitigate their presence and specifically told us that there would be no further structures placed on that site.
In 1994 a cellular tower was proposed to be placed on the site. We had serious concerns regarding the visual presence of the tower, the possible EMF consequences to nearby residents and property devaluations as a result of the tower. To our relief, it was disapproved by the Planning Commission and rejected by the City Council on appeal. The City told us they wanted to be “good neighbors.”
We have had a peaceful and harmonious relationship with the City since that time, until now. With this new proposed tower for the same site, we have the same concerns as before. Our objections are not about KOWS radio, but about the City of Sebastopol’s relationship with us. We do not want to become adversaries regarding their use of the City’s island that our homes surround, but continue to be “good neighbors.”
Also, there is a FCC collocation ruling which could result in additional telecommunications being placed on the site of existing towers, even without local authority’s approval. In this case it could mean additions to and expansion of the KOWS tower if it is initially approved by the city. It would heighten our concerns of the visual presentation and also very importantly increase the EMF exposure to those who live in our area.
Please let’s not open Pandora’s Box of telecommunication antennas and microwaves with an unnecessary and unwanted broadcast tower and respect the sincere concerns and objections of the City’s county neighbors.
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Jim Belding
Sebastopol
Knowledgeable candidate
EDITOR: Great article on Tom Lynch and his late entry into the Fifth District race. We supported Tom when he ran for Supervisor in 2008. He is by far the most knowledgeable candidate, with a genuine understanding and passion for solving problems. We will not vote for any candidate who’s never voted in the Fifth District.
Simon and Anne Lowings
Sebastopol