Cellphone tower plan worries Kings Park

Kings Park residents are worried that a cellphone tower may threaten their health if it is built at the former San Remo Elementary School, which houses the community's school district offices.

Kings Park school officials said last week that they are discussing a proposal by Suffolk Wireless, of East Islip, which would build and operate a 125-foot tower near the building, at 180 Lawrence Rd.

School officials said they have not decided to approve the plan.

About 200 residents packed a meeting last week of the Kings Park Civic Association to express concern about the spire.

Though federal officials have said there is no evidence linking health risks to cell antennas, Kings Park residents such as Ariella Werner said they fear the effects of electromagnetic emissions from the proposed tower.

"I have three little ones. I'm terrified," said Werner, who lives less than 1,500 feet from the site. Her children range from 8 months to 5 years. "I'm very scared of leukemia."

School board member Steve Weber said the district would consider "any possible health effects" associated with cell towers.

"We are going to take our time, and we are going to get the opinion of the community," Weber said. "We need to have more input from the community before we make our final decision."

Kings Park school Superintendent Susan Agruso said the district would split profits from the tower with Suffolk Wireless. She estimated the district would earn "a couple hundred thousands of dollars in revenue each year" from the deal.

Kings Park is considering a 10-year lease with Suffolk Wireless, which could be extended another 20 years, Agruso said. The proposal will be discussed during a school board meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Kings Park High School on Route 25A.

Agruso said improved cell service is badly needed. "Most of us have zero bars on our cellphones," she said. But she said district officials share residents' safety concerns. "This is not something you move ahead on without a lot of input," she said.

The district must seek approval from the state Department of Education, she said. She and a town planning official said the tower does not require town approval because the district would use the antenna.

Suffolk Wireless officials did not return calls for comment.