1,000 signatures reached
To: City of Garland, Scott LeMay (City Mayor), Garland Power & Light
Cease the installation of the high-voltage pole adjacent to the place of worship
This is an urgent matter of serious concern that poses immediate health, safety, and emotional risks to our community. A high-voltage power line is being installed in dangerous proximity to the mosque's entrance, Masjid Yaseen, located at 1601 W Campbell Road, Garland, TX 75044. This proximity raises significant safety hazards and is causing widespread fear and alarm within our community.
Key Concerns
Key Concerns
- Imminent Health Risks:
Research has repeatedly pointed to potential health risks associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from high-voltage power lines, including an increased risk of cancer, neurological disorders, and other chronic health conditions. While these risks may be debated in scientific circles, the mere possibility of harm is too great to ignore when dealing with a facility that serves hundreds of individuals, including children and the elderly, every week. This situation particularly concerns those spending extended hours at the mosque for daily prayers and community services. - Severe Safety Hazards:
The presence of a high-voltage line this close to a public place, where families, children, and seniors congregate regularly, is an accident waiting to happen. In the event of severe weather, structural failure, or unforeseen incidents, the risk of electrocution or other catastrophic outcomes is unacceptably high. The current location of this line does not provide adequate clearance to ensure the safety of those entering and leaving the premises. - Violation of Community Well-being and Trust:
Beyond the physical risks, the psychological toll on our community is immense. The proximity of this high-voltage line to our sacred space has created an atmosphere of constant anxiety, fear, and frustration. A mosque is meant to be a safe haven, a place for spiritual refuge and communal unity. This sense of safety has been stripped away, leaving the community feeling vulnerable and neglected. - Potential Regulatory Concerns:
We respectfully ask for a review of whether the placement of this line complies with all state and local regulations, including the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and guidelines set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Given the line’s extreme proximity to a place of worship, we question whether the installation process adequately considered the risks posed to our community.
Primary Request: Relocation of the Power Line
We strongly request that the high-voltage line be relocated to a safe distance from the mosque. This is the most effective and permanent solution to eliminate the risks and restore a sense of safety and security in the community.
Alternative Options if Relocation Is Not Feasible:
If the line cannot be relocated due to technical or logistical reasons, we request that the City of Garland provide alternative solutions to mitigate the risks and protect our community, including:
- Provision of an Alternative Entrance to the Mosque:
As an alternative solution, we propose that the city allocate and fully finance the construction of a new entrance to the mosque on the adjacent land currently owned by the city. This would provide a safer access point for our community, away from the power line, and restore confidence in the safety of our facility. - Financial Assistance for Relocation or Modifications to the Mosque:
If the line cannot be moved, the city should consider providing financial aid to the mosque to implement necessary safety measures, such as restructuring the entrance, installing shielding, or enhancing the building’s insulation to mitigate EMF exposure.
In addition to the above remedies, the following corrective measures should also be taken:
- Installation of EMF Shields or Insulation Barriers:
The city should install shielding technology or insulation barriers around the high-voltage line to significantly reduce EMF exposure and minimize safety risks. - Construction of a Protective Canopy or Enclosure at the Entrance:
To physically separate the mosque entrance from the power line, the city could build a protective structure, such as a canopy or enclosure, to shield the community from direct exposure to the power line. - Regular Safety Monitoring and Maintenance:
The city should conduct regular inspections and maintenance of the line to ensure that it remains structurally sound and does not pose additional risks over time. - Zoning Adjustments and Future Prevention:
To prevent similar incidents in the future, the city should review and revise zoning regulations to ensure that high-voltage lines are not installed near community and religious spaces.
Why is this important?
The gravity of this issue cannot be overstated. A failure to address this hazard exposes hundreds of people to potentially life-threatening risks every day. As an elected leader of Garland’s District One, your prompt intervention is not only necessary but also a moral imperative to protect the lives and well-being of your constituents.
We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you as soon as possible to discuss this issue further. The safety and trust of our community is at stake, and we are counting on your leadership to help resolve this matter urgently.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this critical issue. Please feel free to contact me directly at 469.954.2106 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Jawwad Cheema
Administrator
Phone: 469.954.2106, [email protected]
Phone: 469.954.2106, [email protected]