Boro may lease more space on water tower
BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer

SPOTSWOOD - - The borough may soon increase the number of cellular antennae on the town's water tower.

At present, three cell phone carriers lease space on the tower, and bids were due in this week from any company interested in placing another antenna there. The Borough Council approved the solicitation of bids in an effort to gain additional revenue for the town. According to an ordinance, the borough is seeking a minimum of $27,000 per year for the antenna space.

Council President Curtis Stollen said there is space for a fourth carrier to locate on the tower, which is located in the borough yard off Third Street and Kensington Avenue.

"We have three current carriers, and I believe we have persons interested in leasing additional space," he said after a recent meeting.

Stollen said the borough has a fairly low geographical location, which hampered cell phone reception in the past. Reception has vastly improved since the carriers were allowed to place antennas on the water tower, though.

Currently, T-Mobile, Cingular and Verizon have antennas on the tower, and each is paying Spotswood between $34,000 and $35,000 per year according to lease agreements, according to borough Business Administrator Ron Fasanello.

The carriers have three antennas apiece, each pointing in a different direction to cover various areas.

Residents have complained about the antennas, but most comments pertained to the aesthetic nature of the antennas, not any possible health effects, Stollen said.

Borough officials arranged to have antenna space on the water tower when it was renovated years ago. The back and inside were redone and designed to handle the antennas. This way there would not be any degrading of the tower's internal coatings, and also obviated the need for welding.

The tower was also designed with railings and strict requirements so that the antenna cables could be located in trays.

"The trays run down the side of the tower," Stollen said. "It keeps everything pretty clean and neat."

The borough only has space for one more carrier.

"Locating an additional antenna would benefit the borough from a revenue perspective," Fasanello said. "However, the council must consider other factors and will make the decision regarding the overall benefit to the borough."

According to the ordinance, the lease would be for 25 years, with the option to renew for two additional five-year periods. The lease amount will be increased yearly, beginning in the second year, based on the consumer price index or 4 percent, whichever is higher.