The steeple of an iconic Vermont church, built in the 19th century, may get an addition that brings it into the 21st century. Verizon Wireless and the Centre Congregational Church have reached an agreement for the wireless carrier to install six antennas inside the church’s bell tower, reports the VT Digger.
Verizon approached the church three to four years ago, and had been in the process of negotiations regarding installing antennas within the structure. The two parties reached an agreement within the past year—details of which have yet to be released. A former church council chairman is excited about the agreement.
“It was just an ideal situation,” said Bill Mccarty, who worked extensively with the wireless carrier. “They’re almost a perfect tenant.”
The six antennas, which will be placed at a height of 59-feet, will be concealed within the bell tower structure, a requisite of any deal made by the church. While the two parties have reached an agreement, the deal must be reviewed and approved by the state’s Public Service Board.
Verizon emphasized its intent to preserve the historical aesthetic of the iconic structure, as well as its commitment to deliver quality wireless service to the surrounding community. “We follow all local, state and federal guidelines in building our network and are committed to working with all stakeholders in ensuring that we can provide for the community’s communications needs without long-term visual changes to the church,” Verizon Spokesman David Weissmann told the VT Digger.
June 12, 2017
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