Navajo County Supervisors rejected a proposed cell tower near Snowflake, citing health, safety and civil rights concerns raised by a community affected by chemical and electromagnetic sensitivities.
Toni Gibbons reports for White Mountain Independent.
In short:
- The Environmentally Ill Community, near the proposed site, consists of residents with severe sensitivities who moved there to avoid EMF exposure and chemicals.
- Opponents argued the tower would harm property values, exacerbate health issues and violate ADA protections, noting alternative solutions were overlooked.
- Supervisors acknowledged public opposition and potential civil rights implications before unanimously denying the permit.
Key quote:
“One person representing a corporation shouldn’t dictate what happens to our community.”
— Anna Parascando, resident who lives south of the proposed site
Why this matters:
Cell towers raise health, environmental and equity concerns, especially in sensitive areas. Balancing infrastructure expansion with the rights of vulnerable populations poses legal and ethical challenges for policymakers.
