T-Mobile has proposed a cellphone tower on Archer Avenue in Bridgeport, and while the zoning of the proposed spot allows for the tower to rise, some residents are uneasy. According to a report from DNAinfo, a City Hall meeting in the community attracted about 40 residents to discuss concerns over the impact that a tower would have on the neighborhood.

The T-Mobile tower would be built at 2601 S. Archer Ave., about five feet from the sidewalk. According to zoning rules, the tower should be no closer than 20 feet from the sidewalk. While the company needs permission to construct the tower at the exact spot, residents are still concerned over the tower’s impact on local property values, the natural beauty of the neighborhood, and the health and safety of community members.

Originally the tower was proposed to be constructed in the building at 2601 S. Archer, but that could create conflict between the foundation of the building and the foundation of the tower, according to Michael Bieniek, zoning director at LCC Telecom.

On the positive side, the proposed tower may help improve service in the area. Currently, there are at least five cell phone towers in the area, and the additional tower should boost local cellphone reception and wireless internet connectivity.

Chairman of the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals Blake Sercye told residents that federal rules don’t allow his board to consider health concerns about the particular project. Officials cited studies that show radio signals from cellphone towers are not harmful, but some people still voiced their concerns. 

Board members are expected to vote on the plan before the end of October.