A map showing the site of the proposed cell tower (click to enlarge).
By Alice Waugh
AT&T Mobility is investigating the possibility of building a new cell tower on property just east of Stonegate Gardens on Route 117.
“It’s an area where I think everyone knows cell phone signals are either very weak or nonexistent, and carriers are interested in trying to locate there,” said Larry Morgan, a site acquisition consultant for Tilson Technology Management. Tilson is under contract with several cell-phone service providers to investigate potential sites for new cellular antennas, which can be put on top of cell towers or existing structures such as rooftops or church steeples.
According to a legal notice, AT&T Mobility is proposing a 120-foot monopole tower inside a fenced leased area on property at 345 South Great Road on land owned by Ronald Christensen. However, Morgan said that there is no leasing or purchase agreement in place with the property owner. The idea is “very much in the preliminary stage—it’s not even close to being presented to the town,” he said.
“They would have to go through a pretty extensive process from A to Z to get that approved,” said Director of Planning and Land Use Chris Reilly. Among the requirements would be a permit from the Historical Commission to allow demolition of one of the buildings on the property, as well as town meeting approval, a special permit from the Planning Board, and a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals. However, federal provisions might override some of the local zoning regulations, Reilly said.
The tower would be located about 100 feet south of Route 117, according to a preliminary drawing. Its 120-foot height would be sufficient to accommodate other cell-phone carriers in addition to AT&T Mobility, Morgan said.