On February 6, 2018 Verizon applied for a major use permit to install two “small cell” towers in Sebastopol at Hutchins and S. Gravenstein, and at McFarlane and Woodland.
EMF Safety Network (EMFSN) opposed Verizon’s application in a letter sent May 29 stating, “The proposed towers would add unsightly equipment, overload poles, devalue property, and increase radio frequency radiation in our neighborhoods.” EMFSN presented peer-reviewed published science which shows cell tower radiation harms people and the environment.
In addition EMFSN retained Best Best and Krieger attorney Gail Karish to draft a letter outlining the legal ways a California city can deny a “small cell” in the public rights of way, and presented this letter to Sebastopol on April 24th..
On Thursday, May 31 Dana Morrison, Sebastopol assistant planner wrote, “This email is to inform you that this application, which was scheduled for a Planning Commission Public Hearing on June 12, 2018, has been withdrawn by the applicant. “
Sandi Maurer, Director of the EMF Safety Network said, ”We’re thrilled Verizon backed out. Wireless has become pollution, and we need to reduce, for example save corded landlines and use cell phones for emergencies, to better protect public health and the environment.”
