A planned 175-foot Verizon cell tower in Boardman Township is drawing backlash from residents concerned about property values, health risks, and its proximity to historic homes.

The tower is set to be installed on St. Mark’s Victory Lutheran Church property at Mill Creek Drive and Glenwood Avenue. While some early site work has been completed, full construction is awaiting materials.

Roger Miralia, who lives 500 feet from the proposed tower, believes it could lower property values by up to 20% and worries about potential health risks from electromagnetic radiation. Other neighbors question the need for another tower, noting there are already two within a half-mile.

While officials stress that township rules don't apply here, some residents feel blindsided by the lack of community input.

Boardman Director of Planning and Zoning T.J. Keiran explained that Ohio law exempts cell towers from township zoning regulations unless they are on residential property or within 100 feet of a home—neither of which applies. Decisions are controlled at the state and federal level.

Some residents are now exploring other ways to challenge the project, including reaching out to state officials and raising concerns about the stability of the land where the tower is being built.

Construction is still in its early stages, but Verizon and its contractors are moving forward.