The HDTV "Dog & Pony Show"

History of Lookout Mountain Antenna Tower Land

The HDTV "Dog & Pony Show" (continued)

The FCC issues broadcast licenses without requiring compliance with the 1969 National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) or the National Historic Preservation Act to conduct environmental
impact studies. FCC regulations state: “The NEPA provisions shall apply to all Commission actions that
may have a significant impact on the quality of human environment... (from facilities that are) a source of
controversy on environment grounds in the local community... (or effect any continuing pattern of negative
impact on) National Register of Historic Places... ”
October, 1998: CARE Antenna Tower Committee grows to more than 50 professionals volunteering
research. They find: 1) excellent alternative sites to cover the Denver metro area; 2) zoning violations
of radiation limits on Lookout; 3) antennas operating without permits by JeffCo or FCC on Lookout;
4) a comprehensive worldwide report on the effects of radiation by Dr. Neil Cherry of New Zealand;
5) lawsuits against many antenna operators nationwide; 6) biological effect research by Dr. John
Goldsmith, M.D. and Robert Becker, M.D.; 7) filmmaker Len Aitken begins producing a documentary;
8) Dr. Carl Blackman of the EPA agrees with leading international scientists meeting in Vienna with the
resolution: “The participants agreed that biological effects from low-intensity exposures are
scientifically established” and there is a need for more comprehensive research.
11/6/98 PBS affiliate KRMA, Channel 6 sends the letters to “members” claiming its only option for the
future is the LCG Supertower. The letter encourages sending letters to the JeffCo Commissioners advising
approval and labels citizens who oppose the plan as “hysterical.”

Deb Carney presents evidence to the Planning Commission

1998 Planning Commission Hearing

December 2, 1998: Jefferson County Planning Commission hearings begin on the LCG proposed
Supertower. Al Hislop testifies that four months have passed since the FCC verified zoning violations.
“It appears there will never be evidence of a problem if no government entity is responsible for monitoring
the radiation levels.” CARE presents scientific data showing the Effective Radiated Power would
increase from 10 million watts to 20 million watts. Citizens pack the county hearing room and testify
against. LCG brings in consultants from California, Michigan, Chicago, and Washington D.C. FCC Senior
Scientist Dr. Robert Cleveland testifies in favor of the broadcast “clients.” All consultants claim
radiation will be reduced .
January 6, 1999: LCG changes the proposal one day before the second JeffCo Planning Commission
hearing, which prevents any opportunity for citizen rebuttal. LCG attorney Tom Ragonetti refers often to
JeffCo attorney Clare Levy as “Clare.” Although many questions by Planning Commissioners were not
answered, they recommend approval on January 3.
January 20, 1999: Planning Commission recommends approval of a 300-foot tower on Mt. Morrison
to replace an existing 65-foot tower. The site is surrounded by Red Rocks Park and Jefferson County
Open Space but is visible from Lininger Mountain, east Genesee, Mother Cabrini Shrine, and many homes
on Lookout Mountain.
January 21, 1999: Responding to an invitation by JeffCo planning director Richard Turner, Squaw
Mountain Communications presents their alternative site ( Clear Creek County approved for a DTV tower)
to Jefferson County Commissioners. Meanwhile, JeffCo Attorney Frank Hutfless filed a suit on March 2
against Bear Creek Development for adding an antenna “without approval” to the United Cable tower
on Mt. Morrison.
February 17, 1999: Colorado Dept of Health presents a survey declaring a significantly higher than
average cases of brain tumors in the areas closest to the TV and FM towers within U.S. Census tract 9810
(Bear Creek to Clear Creek, U.S. Hwy 5 and Cold Spring Gulch at El Rancho). Denver mass media reported
the survey has “no connection to broadcast antennas.")
February 18, 1999: Acting Zoning Administrator Mary Bunn approves an application by FOX-Channel
31 to add a digital transmitter to double radiation from its Lookout tower, which holds JeffCo emergency
service microwave antennas. On March 2, CARE files an appeal with the Board of Adjustment to reverse
the staff permit.
February 24, 1999: Jefferson Economic Council director Tom Clark hosts a “Stakeholder’s Meeting”
of the FCC, citizens and broadcasters. FCC regional manager Leo Cirbo abruptly leaves the meeting in
reaction to questions by citizen volunteer and engineer Al Hislop.
March 18, 1999: CARE hosts a visit of New Zealand physicist Dr. Neil Cherry. Dan Brindle, Nick
Morgan, and Ron Holliday (JeffCo staff) met with him briefly at county building.
March 25, 1999: CARE petitions the FCC to deny all RF licenses on Lookout Mountain.

JeffCo Planning Commission

Meeting with New Zealand Physicist Dr. Neil Cherry

Al Hislop Questions LCG Manager, James MacDermott - May 1998

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