No Cell Tower at Historic Bluefields

Petition:

We, the undersigned, strongly urge the Metro Planning Commission to REJECT the application from Nashville & Eastern Railroad which would allow the "communications tower facility" to be built directly behind the 2700 block of Bluefield Avenue, Nashville TN, 37214. Bluefields is the first subdivision ever built in Donelson TN and is home to irreplaceable, historic, nearly-100 year old homes.

Information:

The Nashville & Eastern Railroad has filed an application with the City of Nashville to erect and maintain a "communications tower" -- what is commonly called a "cell phone tower" in the historic Bluefields subdivision. The proposed tower will stand 120 feet tall and will not meet metro zoning codes due to the proposed location of the structure, directly behind the 2700 block of Bluefield Avenue. This is the first application in our area that places a “cell phone tower antenna” in the middle of a residential neighborhood as opposed to placement on/adjacent to a commercial corridor. This proposed installation would profoundly affect our neighborhood in a variety of ways:

-It would violate Metro codes by not meeting “set back” requirements designed to protect the safety of the public.

-It drastically affects property values. Communities across the US have experienced property value decreases between 10% - 20% due to the proximity of a “cell tower” to their neighborhood. If a homeowner nearby wants to sell a property they must disclose the existence of the cell tower!

-The health effects of the close proximity of a cell tower are very much in question. Some studies show increased rates of cancer and other health issues. The location of the proposed tower is located on land previously used by the Railroad for maintenance of the rail line. There are signs of potential soil contamination that may pose a direct risk to the residents of Bluefields.

-The immediate area of the proposed cell tower currently provides a visual and audible buffer to the rail line, and Donelson Pike. The removal of the vegetation in this area will expose all of the residences on Bluefield Avenue to a greater security risk, and potential increase of trespassing onto private property.

-If the city grants Nashville Eastern Railroad a variance, the door is then wide open for any other venture or property to get variances too. The flood gates will be open.

-What kind of precedent does it set for our community if a cell tower is allowed in Historic Bluefields? What would stop the Railroad from constructing such towers throughout the community?

-We strongly urge the Metro Planning Commission, Mayor Karl Dean of Nashville, Congressman Cooper, Governor Haslam and all other appointed Government Official offices to REJECT the application from Nashville Eastern Railroad which would allow the "communications tower facility" to be built directly behind the 2700 block of Bluefield Avenue, Nashville TN, 37214.