New Yorkers Rally Against Jumbo 5G Towers

In recent months, the installation of "jumbo 5G towers" - giant 32-foot 5G towers - across New York City has sparked significant controversy and opposition. Elected officials and concerned citizens alike are rallying against these towering structures, citing potential health risks, aesthetic concerns, and the lack of community input.

Read on to find out why cities are opting for these jumbo towers, the health implications, and how New Yorkers are fighting back .

As the digital age accelerates, the demand for faster and more reliable internet connectivity has surged. Cities worldwide are embracing 5G technology, which promises lightning-fast speeds and enhanced connectivity. To achieve this, telecommunication companies are pushing to install larger, more powerful 5G towers, often referred to as "jumbo towers." These towers, standing at 32 feet, are designed to handle increased data loads and provide robust network coverage, especially in densely populated urban areas.

However, the installation of these towering structures has sparked significant controversy. While they promise improved internet speeds and connectivity, many residents and officials are concerned about their potential impact on the community, regarding:

• Aesthetic appeal
• Property values
• Overall quality of life

In New York City, the backlash against these jumbo towers has been particularly fierce.

Elected officials and numerous New Yorkers are standing up against the installation of giant 32-foot 5G towers across the city. New York Congressman Jerrold Nadler, along with Assembly members and New York Councilmembers, has taken a strong stance against the jumbo design. In a letter sent in June 2024, they requested a reconsideration of these towering structures, which are planned to be placed as close as ten feet from buildings—potentially just ten feet from bedrooms and living spaces.

The plan to erect over 2,000 jumbo 5G poles has ignited fury among New Yorkers. Sixteen community boards across the city have issued disapprovals or moratoriums on the installations. Community Board 8, which includes areas of the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Roosevelt Island, was the first to pass a 5G moratorium in 2022. Since then, fifteen more community boards have followed suit, voicing their disapproval as the full scale of the plan became apparent.

The opposition is not limited to the community boards. Prominent city officials have also expressed their concerns. On June 25, 2024, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, State Senator Liz Krueger, Assembly Members Rebecca Seawright and Alex Bores, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and Council Members Keith Powers and Julie Menin wrote to Deborah Marton, President of the Public Design Commission. They urged the commission to reconsider its approval of the current jumbo 5G tower design.

In a separate letter on June 18, 2024, Council Member Gale Brewer voiced her opposition to the new towers in her West Side district. Addressing the State Historic Preservation Office, she highlighted her deep concerns about the potential negative impacts these structures could have on the historic neighborhood. Brewer emphasized the need to balance the evolving needs of the city with the imperative of preserving the unique character of its neighborhoods.

The New York Landmarks Conservancy, which has been raising the alarm on these towers for years, shared these letters in a June 2024 post titled "Elected Officials Demand City to End 5G Tower Installations." This collective opposition only goes to show the significant resistance to the unchecked proliferation of jumbo 5G towers. 

New York City is not alone in grappling with the push for jumbo 5G towers. Cities across the United States and globally are facing similar challenges. The drive to upgrade to 5G infrastructure has led to debates and pushbacks in numerous urban areas. San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago, for instance, have all experienced public outcry and regulatory hurdles as they navigate the complexities of 5G tower installations.

New Yorkers aren't the only ones fighting back. Citizens of Miami-Dade County also voiced their concerns over the potential installation of a jumbo tower in their city. Others in Mississippi spoke out, one citizen stating, "I don’t want to see a cell tower in my neighborhood, and I know many of you wouldn’t either—especially not within 100 yards of your home, where your grandkids play."

Internationally, cities in Europe and Asia are also dealing with the contentious rollout of 5G technology. The balance between technological advancement and community well-being is a delicate one, and many cities are taking a cautious approach, implementing temporary moratoriums and seeking extensive public input before proceeding.

As cities consider installing jumbo 5G towers, concerns about potential health risks have emerged. These towers operate at higher frequencies than previous wireless networks, resulting in increased electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure due to their closer proximity to homes and workplaces.

Key Health Concerns

1. Cancer Risk : Some studies suggest a possible link between long-term EMF exposure and an increased risk of cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radiofrequency EMF as "possibly carcinogenic to humans."

2. Sleep and Mental Health : EMF exposure has been associated with sleep disruptions and adverse mental health effects, including headaches, fatigue, and anxiety.

3. Children and Vulnerable Populations : Children and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are considered more susceptible to potential EMF-related health issues.

4. Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS) : Some individuals report symptoms like skin rashes and muscle pain due to EMF exposure.

The scientific community remains divided on the extent of these health risks, highlighting the need for further research. Advocates call for precautionary measures, comprehensive health impact assessments, stricter regulations on tower placement, and increased public awareness.

As New Yorkers and other urban communities navigate 5G infrastructure deployment, understanding and addressing potential health risks is crucial.

While our proximity to 5G towers is often outside of our control as we live, work, and travel, there are steps we can take to reduce our overall exposure to EMFs.

• Move farther away from the source of EMF. Use speakerphone when talking on the cell phone, and keep devices away from you aren’t using them.
• When not using a device, turn it off. Devices that rely on Wi-Fi are emitting EMFs even when not in use. 
• Turn the Wi-Fi router off at night or when not in use.
• Reduce the amount of non-essential time spent on devices.
• Invest in proven, researched EMF protection technology like the  Aires Tech Lifetune devices  to add a layer of protection wherever you go!

The fight against jumbo 5G towers in New York City highlights a broader struggle that many urban areas are facing. While the benefits of faster, more reliable internet are undeniable, the impact on communities and the environment cannot be ignored. New Yorkers, backed by their elected officials, are making their voices heard, demanding a more thoughtful and transparent approach to 5G infrastructure deployment. As this battle unfolds, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of balancing progress with the preservation of community values and quality of life.

Stay tuned to The Wave Forward for more updates on this ongoing issue and other stories that matter to our community!