A wireless company’s plan to build a 100-foot-tall cell tower in a subdivision east of Bend isn’t sitting well with some of its residents.

American Tower Corporation of Boston, Mass., notified those who live in Cascade View Estates of its plans to build an AT&T wireless communications facility on residential property off Alfalfa Market Road. The company also organized a community meeting Wednesday to discuss the project.

Some neighbors, however, have already voiced strong opposition to the plan, arguing that it could harm their health and property values.

Among those concerned about the health risks is Patti Devencenzi, who says she lives 600 meters away from the proposed tower site. She believes the property’s owner, whom she doesn’t know, lives elsewhere most of the time.

“This is ridiculous,” she said. “I’m a registered nurse. Studies show there’s a correlation between these towers and an increased risk of cancers. It’s a health hazard.”

Devencenzi said some of her neighbors were not notified of American Tower’s plans.

American Tower spokesman Matt Peterson said the company notified property owners within 2,000 feet of the proposed site. Peterson said the company has other cell towers in other Central Oregon neighborhoods, and it continues to monitor the sites for safety, health and environmental issues.

Tiffany Aldrich, who lives nearby, said she and her neighbors have concerns, as well.

“I’ve talked with a few neighbors who are not pleased,” said Aldrich. “I’m concerned for my family and my animals.”

Aldrich said she questions the need for a tower and believes it will be an eyesore in a private, residential community. She said the rural neighborhood contains about 200 5-acre plots, many of which have remained undeveloped.

“There’s no need for it. We have cell service and wireless out here. And it’s very unattractive. I moved out in the country so I didn’t have to look at these kind of things.”

An American Tower representative will talk about the project and address residents’ comments at a 7 p.m. neighborhood meeting Wednesday at the High Desert Community Grange off Powell Butte Highway.

According to a company notice sent out to residents, American Tower plans to lease a 50-by-60-square-foot parcel for the facility, which will include a 100-foot pole, microwave dishes, antenna and a 6-foot security fence. To go forward, the company must obtain a conditional use land permit from Deschutes County.

Peterson said the next step will be to submit a land use application and hold a public hearing.

“This community meeting is only the first step in the process,” he said.