CPNO members voted, 27 to 18, Monday night to oppose construction of proposed cell antennas at Epworth United Methodist Church.
It was one of about dozen issues discussed or voted upon at the April Members’ Meeting. More details on the entire meeting will be avaible in the draft meeting minutes in the May issue of the Messenger.
The cell antenna debate was the longest discussion of the evening, however. It followed upon a motion approved at the March meeting that mandated a vote on the issue, in addition to a Special Meeting during which Candler Park residents and others conveyed their concerns to an AT&T official.
On Monday, Pat Singer introduced the motion that eventually passed: “to oppose the building of a cell tower in Epworth United Methodist Church.” She then accepted an amendment from Amy Stout to “have CPNO write letters to City of Atlanta planning officials and elected officials to report the results of this vote.”
Antenna opponents stressed that — whatever one’s opinion on the health risks of cell antennas — CPNO should consider the potential impact on property values. They argued that opposing the antennas is consistent with the CPNO mission “to promote the common good and general welfare” of Candler Park.
Much of the 25-minute discussion focused on the extent to which the church needs revenue that the cell structure would provide. The motion’s opponents argued that the church is a community asset that has the right to decide how to remain viable.
In addition to 27 yeahs and 18 nays, six members abstained. CPNO officers will convey the results of the vote to city officials, as the amended motion requires.
I want to thank our members for working hard to keep the debate civil and focused, and for avoiding personal attacks, despite strong feelings on both sites of this issue.
