Gwinnett County Education Board Reverses Cell Tower Decision

After approving a lease for a new cell tower between two schools, the board walked back the decision following community backlash.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:56am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, impressionistic scene of a blurred school campus with a faint cell tower silhouette in the distance, captured in a warm, hazy light through a rain-streaked lens, conveying a sense of uncertainty and the need for thoughtful consideration of environmental impacts.A community's concerns over the potential health risks of a proposed cell tower near local schools prompt a reversal of the original decision.Atlanta Today

The Gwinnett County Board of Education has reversed its previous decision to approve a lease for a new cell tower to be constructed between Parsons Elementary School and Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Georgia. The board cited concerns raised by the community about potential health risks associated with cell tower radiation as the reason for revoking the lease agreement.

Why it matters

The decision to install the cell tower between two schools had raised significant concerns among parents and community members about the potential health impacts on students. The board's reversal demonstrates responsiveness to public feedback and a willingness to prioritize the well-being of the school community over the lease agreement.

The details

In December, the Gwinnett County Board of Education had voted to approve a lease with Municipal Communications, LLC, to construct and operate the cell tower between the two schools. However, during a meeting on Thursday, the board members acknowledged the community's concerns and decided to revoke the previous decision. Board members thanked the public for sharing their opinions and expressed appreciation for the education the community provided on the potential environmental and health issues related to cell tower radiation.

  • In December, the Gwinnett County Board of Education voted to approve the cell tower lease.
  • On April 17, 2026, the board held a meeting and reversed the previous decision to install the cell tower.

The players

Gwinnett County Board of Education

The local education board responsible for overseeing schools in Gwinnett County, Georgia.

Municipal Communications, LLC

The company that had been granted the lease to construct and operate the cell tower between the two schools.

Parsons Elementary School

One of the two schools where the cell tower was proposed to be installed.

Peachtree Ridge High School

The other school where the cell tower was proposed to be installed.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our community is important to us. Our students are important to us. Our teachers are important to us. And this decision, to me, was not as important as you all and our community.”

— Steve Gasper, Gwinnett County Board of Education Member

“I am familiar with the inequities around environmental issues in our communities, but this was really new for me, in a way that I learned from you all coming here, sharing science with us. We don't know everything. And so it's just great to be able to learn from our constituents.”

— Tarece Johnson-Morgan, Gwinnett County Board of Education Member

The takeaway

The Gwinnett County Board of Education's decision to reverse the cell tower installation demonstrates the power of community engagement and the importance of prioritizing public health and safety concerns, even when it means overturning a previous agreement. This case highlights the need for transparent communication and thorough consideration of potential environmental impacts when making decisions that affect local schools and neighborhoods.