More than a dozen residents and business owners protest the installation of a T-Mobile cellular tower in Sherman Oaks. (KTLA-TV / November 17, 2010) |
SHERMAN OAKS ( KTLA) -- Dozens of angry residents and business owners in Sherman Oaks are protesting a cell phone tower that they say was installed on a residential street.
The group, which calls itself "Get the Cell Out," is opposing the 52-foot T-Mobile tower which was placed along the 5500 block of Bevis Ave., near Albers Street.
Protesters, holding signs, stood on the opposite side of the street Wednesday morning while utility crews worked on the tower.
Residents say the tower went up without their consent.
Councilmember Paul Krekorian's office says the tower in question is an existing utility pole that is being modified for use in cell phone communication and is in the public right-of-way.
Before the modification began in April, T-Mobile sent out letters to some residents in the adjoining area giving them the option of whether or not to appeal the project.
No appeals were filed and construction began in October.
Councilman Krekorian has been in contact with residents informing them of the details of the project and is looking into the possibility of holding a public forum.
In the meantime, residents are being advised to contact state and federal officials who may be able to address the issue.
Similar cell tower battles are taking place in other residential areas, including Glendale and Burbank.
The group, which calls itself "Get the Cell Out," is opposing the 52-foot T-Mobile tower which was placed along the 5500 block of Bevis Ave., near Albers Street.
Protesters, holding signs, stood on the opposite side of the street Wednesday morning while utility crews worked on the tower.
Residents say the tower went up without their consent.
Councilmember Paul Krekorian's office says the tower in question is an existing utility pole that is being modified for use in cell phone communication and is in the public right-of-way.
Before the modification began in April, T-Mobile sent out letters to some residents in the adjoining area giving them the option of whether or not to appeal the project.
No appeals were filed and construction began in October.
Councilman Krekorian has been in contact with residents informing them of the details of the project and is looking into the possibility of holding a public forum.
In the meantime, residents are being advised to contact state and federal officials who may be able to address the issue.
Similar cell tower battles are taking place in other residential areas, including Glendale and Burbank.
