A cell tower company has approached the town of Bremen to see about erecting a cell tower on private land and members of the planning board have been pondering the proposal. At their Oct. 14 meeting, board members met with representatives from Global Tower Partners for a question and answer session.
They provided the company representatives with a list of information the board would need in order for members to come to a decision, board member John Marsh said.
The company has leased a resident’s private property and proposes to erect the tower on the west side of Rt. 32 behind the Bremen Community Church.
Company members provided aerial photographs with their application to the town and, according to Marsh, addressed some “what if” details.
He said there are three points of interest to the town regarding the proposed tower, involving cell phone use, safety and visual impacts.
The tower would increase the ability for cell phones to work in town due to increased reception that would have a double benefit. It would ensure those people with cell phones would also be able to call 911 if needed.
Marsh said the company has also offered to provide antennae use for the fire and rescue departments, adding that it would be an improvement in their communications capability.
The other factor planning board members are considering regarding the proposal is the visual impact a cell tower would have, what its scenic effect would be.
“It sure would be nice,” town clerk Joanne McGregor said. “We don’t get any reception in this town.”
Marsh said he has not heard many opinions about the matter from residents of the town. Planning board meetings are always open to the public, he said, and residents are welcome to express their views. The people he has spoken with look forward to the possibility of a tower.
“It’s really frustrating, getting reception in this area,” Marsh said.
The planning board anticipates the company will come back with the necessary information at the next meeting, which will take place at the Town Center on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.
