By Scott Sieber
Parents and Queens elected officials protested a string of 23 cell phone stations looming on the roof of St. Mel's Catholic School in Flushing Thursday.
The towers were constructed last November by Sprint/Nextel and T-Mobil, but after parents protested the fixtures, the parish asked the companies to take them down.
“I appreciate the fact that the parish has listened to the concerns of the parents and has agreed to take down the towers,” said City Councilman Tony Avella (D-Bayside). “At this point, it is disgraceful that Sprint/Nextel and T-Mobile are apparently dragging their heels after the parish has requested their removal.”
Protestors cited ongoing debates nationwide over the safety of cell phone towers as the reason behind their fear for the children of St. Mel's safety.
“No parent should have to worry about their child in school,” Avella said.
