El Cajon Approves Unusual Plan

The El Cajon Planning Commission voted 3-1 Monday night to permit cell phone provider T-Mobile to put a cell phone tower on a single family home.

Neighbors oppose the tower for a variety of reasons. Lynn Dallas said many are worried that the tower could spark a fire or block access to the neighborhood during a fire.

"The neighbors are certainly very concerned about putting this facility in this particular neighborhood," Dallas said.

Gary Williams said he is concerned about how the tower would affect property values.

"Having a cell phone tower near your house devalues the house," he said.

Others are worried that radiation from the tower could pose health risks, specially for neighborhood children. They brought their concerns to the El Cajon Planning Commission.

T-Mobile representatives were also at the meeting. They told the commissioners that the tower had a safe design and posed no fire danger. Company representative also pledged to work with neighbors to address their other concerns. When the discussion ended, the commission approved the project.

Opponents said they will appeal to the City Council by the May 5 deadline.

The property owner, who works for the city, did not return calls for comment and did not attend the planning commission meeting.