Bethlehem parents to protest cell tower idea

      A group of outraged Bethlehem parents plan to picket and demonstrate Wednesday afternoon to block what they believe is a techological invasion that they think could hurt their children and their property values.

    Parents say they will be joined by health experts and teachers in forming a 'No School Towers Coalition',a group dedicated to blocking a proposal to build at least three cell phone towers near schools in the Bethlehem Central School District.

    One of the organizers,Veronica Cruz,says the plan to build cell towers near the Clarksville Elementary School, the Hamagrael Elementary School and adjoining the Bethlehem Central High School could create an environment that she felt could be harmful to children and to property values.

    Cruz,who is a parent,said the impact of long term exposure to cell towers 'needs to be looked at closely.'

    She and others plan to demonstrate outside the School District offices at 90 Adams Place in Delmar at 5:30pm.

    Matt Leon, a spokesman for the 5100 student Bethlehem School District, said Tuesday the cell tower proposal is in its 'very early stages' and that there is no time line set for the towers.

    Leon said the district is wrestling with the loss of state aid and officials are searching for ways to maximize revenue streams.  He did not specify how much money the district would make if the towers were allowed to be built.