5G Tower Installation Raises Concerns in Kendall, Miami Neighborhood
Residents Alarmed by 5G Towers Installation

Residents of Kendall, Miami, Florida, are increasingly alarmed as new 5G towers are being installed directly in front of their homes. This sudden installation, often without prior notice, has sparked outrage among the community members who fear the potential implications on their health, property values, and neighborhood aesthetics.

Health and Aesthetic Concerns

Homeowners in Kendall are expressing deep concerns about the aesthetic degradation of their neighborhood and the potential health risks associated with the 5G towers. The towers, which are being placed within a few feet of residential properties, have led to fears about long-term exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Although definitive scientific evidence is still under debate, some studies have linked RF exposure to various health issues, including fatigue, headaches, and sleep disturbances.

Impact on Property Values

The presence of these towering structures has many residents worried about the devaluation of their properties. The visual blight and possible health risks are seen as significant factors that could deter potential buyers, leading to a drop in property values in the area.

State Law and Local Authority Limitations

The installation process is backed by a state law that restricts local governments from halting the deployment of new 5G towers. In 2017, a new state law signed by then-Gov. Rick Scott forced communities to open their right of ways and utility poles to 5G equipment. Now, among other restrictions, cities and counties cannot require companies to collocate or install equipment on existing poles. Overall, they have little say on where companies install. In 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis signed another law related to 5G that further restricted municipalities. The bill (HB 687), sponsored by St. Cloud Republican Mike La Rosa in the House, pre-empts to the state the regulation of telecommunications companies putting “small wireless facilities in rights of way.” Consequently, many new towers are being erected in the front yards of single-family homes without substantial input from local residents or authorities.

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CS/CS/HB 687: Utilities

GENERAL BILL by Commerce Committee; Energy and Utilities Subcommittee; La Rosa; (CO-INTRODUCERS) Avila; Drake; Gruters

Utilities; Authorizes DOT & certain local governmental entities to prescribe & enforce rules re: placing & maintaining communications services lines/wireless facilities; prohibits authority regulation of facility collocation; authorizes authority to require registration process & permit fees; requires authority to process applications; prohibits authority from requiring approval/fees for maintenance/placement of facilities; provides requirements for collocation on authority utility poles; requires authority to waive certain application & placement requirements; prohibits authority from adopting/enforcing certain regulations & imposing certain fees; authorizes wireless infrastructure provider to apply to place utility poles; authorizes authority to enforce certain local codes/rules/regulations under certain circumstances.

Effective Date: 7/1/2017

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Community Backlash and Legal Actions

The lack of control over where these towers are installed has led to a significant backlash from the community. Some residents have called for stricter regulations and better communication from the companies responsible for the installations.

In response to the growing unrest, the Florida League of Cities has initiated legal action against the state, challenging the laws that strip local authorities of their regulatory powers. Communities like Naples and Collier County have taken proactive steps by establishing design standards to camouflage 5G equipment, a measure that Miami-Dade has yet to adopt.

Long-term Health and Safety Concerns

The potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to 5G towers remain a contentious issue. While government agencies like the Canadian government assert that low levels of RF EMF emitted by 5G devices pose no health risks, many experts believe the evidence is inconclusive and call for more comprehensive research.

Some studies have indicated a correlation between living near cell towers and increased health complaints. A report by the Swiss Re Institute in 2019 even classified 5G networks as a high risk, likening their potential long-term impact to that of lead and asbestos.

Conclusion

As Kendall, Miami, faces the rapid installation of 5G towers, residents are left grappling with concerns over health risks, property values, and the aesthetic integrity of their neighborhood. The community’s outcry underscores the need for more transparent and regulated installation processes, ensuring that the benefits of improved cell coverage do not come at the expense of residents’ well-being and property values.

The ongoing debate and legal battles highlight a crucial juncture where the interests of technology and public health must find a balanced resolution.