Stop the 169-Foot Tower: Protect Our Children, Our Community, and Our Future
- Target:
- Sonrise Baptist Church and Charlotte county Florida
- Region:
- United States of America
Stop the 169-Foot Tower: Protect Our Children, Our Community, and Our Future
Englewood, FL — A proposed development on Wilmington Road, immediately adjacent to Sonrise Baptist Church, has put our community on alert. The plan calls for erecting a 169-foot tower on land next to the church — the very same land where a new Boys & Girls Club is slated to be built. A special exemption has reportedly been granted, giving this project a green light, but residents are deeply concerned about what it could mean for public health, property values, and the character of our neighborhood.
Why This Matters
1. Risk to Children and Families
The proximity of the tower to the Boys & Girls Club means our children could be exposed daily to radiofrequency (RF) radiation — a form of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation. Studies have linked this kind of exposure to a range of health risks, including headaches, sleep disturbances, memory problems, cellular stress, and even genetic damage.
Young children are especially vulnerable. Their developing brains and bodies absorb radiation more deeply, making exposure more dangerous.
Some expert groups argue for a minimum safe setback — often around 1,500 feet — between cell towers and schools or places where children gather.
2. Long-Term Health Concerns
Scientific literature reports associations between chronic RF radiation exposure and increased oxidative stress, DNA damage, and potentially higher cancer risk.
While regulatory limits exist (e.g., FCC standards), critics argue these are outdated and not protective enough, especially for sensitive populations like children.
Because the tower will be permanent, the “dose” of exposure will be continuous — day and night — and the cumulative effect is not trivial.
3. Other Community and Environmental Impacts
Towers of this height can be visually intrusive, altering the character and skyline of a residential neighborhood.
Property values may suffer. Studies and community reports suggest that homes located near towers may be perceived as less desirable, potentially reducing resale value.
There is also risk associated with maintenance and infrastructure: communication towers have been known to catch fire, contain hazardous components like lead-acid batteries, and pose structural risks.
4. Ethical Concerns & Community Trust
It is widely understood that Sunrise Baptist Church stands to gain a significant amount of money in rent or lease revenue from this tower being built on or adjacent to their property. While organizations often rely on financial support to continue their mission, this situation raises serious ethical questions.
A church, especially one rooted in serving and uplifting the community, should not prioritize profit over the welfare of its neighbors or the safety of the children who will attend the nearby Boys & Girls Club.
A special exemption may allow them to bypass certain zoning rules — but it does not exempt them from moral accountability. Greed should not outweigh stewardship. If there was ever a time to lead by example, to choose community over cash, and to protect rather than profit, this is it. The church’s decision will reflect its values, and the community is watching.
5. Limited Local Control
Unfortunately, under Section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, local governments are prohibited from denying tower applications based on health concerns — even if residents provide evidence or scientific studies.
This makes organized community action — petitions, public comment, and collective engagement — one of the most effective ways to push back.
Petition to Halt the Construction of the 169-Foot Tower on Wilmington Road
Charlotte County, Florida
We, the people of the greater community of Charlotte County, Florida, respectfully request that Charlotte County officials and Sunrise Baptist Church immediately halt all plans, approvals, and actions related to the construction of the proposed 169-foot tower on Wilmington Road in Englewood, Florida.
We submit this petition on the grounds that the proposed tower:
1. Threatens the Health and Safety of Children and Families
The tower is planned adjacent to Sunrise Baptist Church and in close proximity to the future Boys & Girls Club, placing children and families at potential risk of continuous radiofrequency (RF) radiation exposure. While federal regulations restrict certain considerations, the community maintains the right to advocate for protective setbacks, responsible placement, and precautionary approaches—especially where children gather daily.
2. Harms the Character and Integrity of a Residential Neighborhood
A 169-foot tower is incompatible with the surrounding residential environment and would significantly alter the visual landscape, diminish neighborhood cohesion, and disrupt the peaceful, family-centered nature of the community.
3. May Negatively Affect Property Values and Community Stability
Large commercial infrastructure of this scale has been associated with decreased property desirability and reduced home values. Such a development threatens long-term community investment, resident stability, and economic well-being.
4. Raises Ethical Concerns Regarding Stewardship and Community Responsibility
While financial gain may be a motivating factor for property owners or beneficiaries of this development, we believe that ethical responsibility to the community must come first. A special exemption does not absolve any participating party—governmental or religious—from the obligation to act in the best interest of the people, particularly when children and vulnerable populations will be directly impacted. The community expects transparency, accountability, and prioritization of public welfare over profit.
5. Was Approved Without Sufficient Community Awareness or Input
Residents were not adequately informed or consulted during the exemption and approval process. A project of this magnitude warrants broad community outreach, public hearings with meaningful participation, and full disclosure of potential impacts before any decisions are finalized.
6. Requires Reevaluation, Impact Assessment, and Community Involvement
We request that Charlotte County revisit all approvals and conduct:
A comprehensive review of potential health, environmental, and safety impacts;
A reassessment of the suitability of this location;
A transparent process that includes residents, parents, neighboring property owners, and local organizations.
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Our Request
We, the undersigned, formally petition Charlotte County officials and Sunrise Baptist Church to:
1. Suspend all construction, permitting, leasing, and development activities related to the proposed 169-foot tower.
2. Reevaluate the special exemption granted for this project.
3. Hold a public meeting or hearing to allow residents to voice concerns and receive clear, factual information.
4. Prioritize the protection of children, families, and neighborhoods when considering any future infrastructure proposals.
5. Seek alternative solutions or locations that do not impose potential health, environmental, or economic harm on the surrounding community.
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Conclusion
This petition represents the united voice of a concerned community. We believe our children’s safety, our neighborhood integrity, our health, and our shared values must come before commercial interests or private financial gain.
We urge Charlotte County and Sunrise Baptist Church to act responsibly, transparently, and in accordance with the best interests of the people they serve.
By signing below, we affirm our support for halting this project and request immediate action by local authorities and involved parties.
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The Stop the 169-Foot Tower: Protect Our Children, Our Community, and Our Future petition to Sonrise Baptist Church and Charlotte county Florida was written by Sierra Powell and is in the category City & Town Planning at GoPetition.