Residents of Sitka, Alaska, battle against 120-foot cell tower

By willowt // 2025-08-27

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Residents of Sitka, Alaska, are waging a determined battle to prevent the construction of a 120-foot cell tower in their neighborhood. The fight, which has drawn support from the Children’s Health Defense (CHD) Stop 5G initiative, highlights the growing concerns over the health and environmental risks associated with electromagnetic fields (EMF) from cell towers. The proposed tower, which would be just 145 feet from nearby homes, has been met with strong opposition from local residents who argue that it is unnecessary, poses significant health risks and could increase the likelihood of landslides in the area.

Key points of the article:

Residents of Sitka, Alaska, are fighting a 120-foot cell tower proposed by Tidal Network.
The tower would be built in a landslide-prone area and is close to homes.
CHD’s Stop 5G initiative is supporting the residents' efforts.
Local opposition was strong, but Tidal Network appealed the initial denial.
The case is now with the Alaska Office of Administrative Hearings.

A community united in opposition

The proposed cell tower has become a rallying point for residents of Sitka, a remote island town with a population of about 8,400. The tower, which would be constructed on a site prone to landslides, has been met with a unanimous "no" from the local planning and zoning commission. “We don’t need this tower. We already have adequate wireless services through another provider, GCI, which offers affordable broadband and mobile service,” said Kelly Sweeney, a resident and member of Sitka for Safe Tech. “The tower would be so close to my home, I could stand on my back porch and hit it with a rock,” added Hal Spackman, another resident.

Health and environmental concerns

The residents of Sitka have raised several key concerns about the proposed tower:

Health risks: There is growing evidence linking exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from cell towers to various health issues, including cancer, neurological disorders and sleep disturbances.
Landslide risks: The proposed site is in a known landslide area, raising concerns about the structural integrity of the tower and the safety of nearby homes.
Aesthetic and property value impact: The tower would significantly alter the visual character of the neighborhood and could lead to a decline in property values.

Legal battle and community support

Despite the strong local opposition, Tidal Network, the wireless company behind the project, appealed the commission’s decision. This led to a complex legal battle, with the case now being heard by the Alaska Office of Administrative Hearings. “Miriam Eckenfels, director of CHD’s Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) & Wireless Program, has been instrumental in providing legal support to the residents,” noted Robert Krehbiel, a member of Sitka for Safe Tech. “We are prepared to fight this battle for as long as it takes to protect our community.”

The role of the Children’s Health Defense

The Children’s Health Defense (CHD) has been a critical ally in the residents' fight. CHD’s Stop 5G initiative provides legal and advocacy support to communities opposing the installation of cell towers and 5G technology. “CHD is proud to stand with the residents of Sitka in their fight for a safe and healthy environment,” said Eckenfels. “We know the potential health and environmental risks associated with excessive EMF exposure, and we are committed to supporting communities in protecting themselves.”

A fight for the future

The battle over the cell tower in Sitka is more than just a local issue; it is part of a broader movement to raise awareness about the potential dangers of EMF exposure and to advocate for safer technology practices. As the case moves forward, the residents of Sitka remain steadfast in their commitment to protect their community. “The fight might not be over, but we are not giving up,” said Spackman. “We are doing this for the health and safety of our children and our neighborhood.” Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org KCAW.org