With a population of over 30,000, Westfield, NJ in Union County still experiences wireless coverage gaps. Plans are underway for AT&T to eliminate a weak spot by constructing a cell tower on the grounds of the Westfield Conservation Center. According to TAP Into Westfield, the agreement between Westfield and the carrier would net Westfield $45,000 per year with a three percent per year increase factored in. The contract under discussion is a five-year lease agreement with up to four additional five-year renewal periods. The town could earn additional revenue if any other carriers wind up colocating their equipment on the tower.
TAP Into Westfield suggests the tower will be a monopole design. As part of the bidding arrangement, AT&T has also agreed to award a $100,000 donation to the Westfield Parks Improvement fund.
Back in September, Mayor Shelley Brindle commented on the need for better coverage, noting, “Both wireless carriers and residents alike have repeatedly cited a need to improve cellular service in the southwest section of town, specifically Lamberts Mill to Willow Grove Road and Clifton Street, inclusive of Tamaques and Jefferson Elementary Schools.”
The town council approved the agreement with AT&T to erect a cell tower facility at 1300 Lamberts Mill Road, near the schools, but within the grounds of the conservation center. The mayor has indicated that this new cell tower arrangement will replace an earlier plan to locate a tower at Houlihan/Sid Fay Field.
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