New Cingular Wireless (AT&T Mobility) announced its cancellation of plans to build a cell tower on a church property in Silver Spring on Wednesday.

The cancellation came as a direct result of strong protests from the community around the Sligo Baptist Church property, 1610 Dennis Ave., where the 101-high foot commercial cell tower was slated to be built. The plan faced strong opposition by seven communities, including Chestnut Ridge, Evans Parkway, Forest Estates, Forest Grove, Glen Haven, Linden and Woodside.

On Oct. 7, over 110 residents attended a presentation by an AT&T Mobility representative and spoke out against the plan, requesting the company to cancel the plan. "Today's actions by AT&T Mobility shows that communities can indeed call the shots even when they are up against international conglomerates," John Placanica, a Forest Estates resident who led the opposition, said in a news release. "We had the facts and the communities on our side. They should never have considered this location given that such a tower would harm the forest, wildlife, storm water ponds and people."

The cell tower would have: Destroyed more than 5,000 square feet of mature forest

Disrupted soil and land grading near the earthen dam that holds back the Dennis Ave. ponds and likely cause flooding in nearby homes and streets

Brought hazardous materials such as diesel near homes and Sligo Creek

Reduced property values for up to two miles around due to the risks and noise

Damaged the local ecosystem, including wildlife, trees and streams

Put adults, children and pets at risk of health effects from continuous radiofrequency exposure

Undone the millions of dollars-worth of county-funded programs undertaken over the last 20 years addressing storm water management and pollution runoff which has helped revitalize the Sligo Creek watershed >>New Cingular Wireless has dropped plans to build a cell tower on the Sligo Baptist Church property. Patch file photo.

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