Verizon (NYSE: VZ) is seeking approval to build a 175-foot monopole cell tower at Chestnut Hill College, in Philadelphia. The proposed tower would be installed behind student dormitories in a wooded area of the campus, with the college leasing the land to Verizon for $30,000 annually, according to the Chestnut Hill Local.
According to interim college president Brian McCloskey, the tower would largely be concealed by surrounding trees, with limited visibility from certain vantage points. “Verizon did a balloon test in December to simulate the tower’s height,” McCloskey said. “My recollection is it’s really only visible from one angle, coming in at the SugarLoaf entrance on Vale Drive.”
Because the project falls within the Chestnut Hill National Register Historic District, it triggered a review under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, which requires the FCC to assess the impact on historic properties. The Chestnut Hill Conservancy is participating as an official consulting party in the review process.
While the Conservancy has not yet taken a formal position, the Chestnut Hill Local reported, it issued a statement noting it is leading a coalition of organizations in evaluating potential adverse effects on the historic district. “We have alerted the community about the project and created a page on our website with information about both the federal Section 106 advisory process and the local Philadelphia zoning approval process,” the statement read. “Community engagement will be a regular part of the process, and the Conservancy anticipates taking a formal position in the coming weeks.”
The Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office has already determined the proposed tower would have an adverse effect on the historic district, citing concerns over the monopole’s size, scale, and design diminishing the district’s integrity.
A Verizon spokesperson said the proposed site is intended to improve coverage and capacity in the Chestnut Hill area. “Reliable broadband service remains critical now and into the future as many residents continue to work and learn from home,” the company said. Verizon anticipates the tower could be operational sometime next year, pending approvals.
McCloskey also noted that improving cell service within Wissahickon Park was another factor in the project’s consideration. Sarah Marley, interim executive director of Friends of the Wissahickon, said the organization looks forward to learning more about the project’s potential impacts through the ongoing historic review and zoning processes.
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