NEW CELL TOWER PROPOSED

A new cell tower is being proposed on Town-owned land off Lake Street. The site is part of the Wireless Communications Overlay District created in the 1990's. The Town released a Request for Proposals to develop the site last year and the winning company has spent some time on design and has now submitted an application to construct the tower.

The tower is proposed to be 130 feet tall and host 4 cell phone carriers. It will provide lease revenue to the Town as well as improved cell service in the South Main Street/Farm Pond area. One of the primary benefits is that it will also improve emergency communications in the area since a town antenna will be at the top of the tower. Improved emergency  communications in that part of town is a long-held goal of the police and fire departments.

In addition to a special permit from the Planning Board, the tower requires a variance from the Board of Appeals. To that end, the opening hearing on the project will be a joint hearing before BOTH the Planning Board and Board of Appeals. This is part of an ongoing effort by the Town to improve and streamline permitting processes.The hearing is scheduled for March 27 at 8:30 PM at Town Hall.

It should also be noted that a balloon test at the site will be held on March 30 from 9 AM to 12:00 PM. The backup date in the event of inclement weather is April 6.