Springfield supervisors have advanced a proposed 180-foot cell phone tower in their back yard, but the township zoning hearing board will get the final say next week.
The revised lease with installation company Rise Up Towers, endorsed by the board on June 13, minimizes liability and stipulates the agreement will be terminated for any noncompliance, with the company obligated to remove all traces of the tower, including the foundation.
The structure, which can accommodate up to four carriers and local EMS communications, would vastly improve coverage, which is spotty to nonexistent in parts of the township, including critical places such as the firehouse on Route 212.
While the initial lease would run for five years, Rise Up Towers CEO Nicholas Pullen speculated last week a long-term lease could generate potentially more than $1 million for the township.
Pullen stressed the township would not bear any costs for the construction and maintenance of the tower, which would overlook the township building in Pleasant Valley. His company would receive 60% of the revenues.
“We make this slight percentage in our favor because our construction costs will exceed $325,000 and probably closer to $350,000, and our annual expenses, including taxes, maintenance and insurances will be close to $10,000 annually.”
At the June meeting, the cell plan got a mixed reception.
Noting past public opposition, Parks and Land Preservation Board member Frank Hollenbach was critical of the board, suggesting it was moving too fast on the lease. He expressed concern about the effect on the landscape and proposed alternative sites for coverage.
The company will make its case for a special exception at a zoning hearing on July 19; the lease agreement was critical for giving it standing in the application.
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