Atlas Twp.-Construction of a new cell tower in the township is expected to begin next week
American Tower announced recently they will begin work on the foundation of the 177-foot structure, which will be built behind the township hall on Gale Road north of Goodrich High School on township property. Terms of the deal with Indiana-based Fortune Wireless Corporation are for $1,500 per year with a 2 1/2 percent annual escalator. The 30-year lease will renew every five years.
‘The plan is by the end of July to have the tower up,? said Shirley Kautman-Jones, township supervisor. ‘The south entrance to the township hall will be used by the construction company to work on the tower. As part of the deal with American Tower they will upgrade the entrance to the tower located behind the township hall.?
Jones said it would also be a good time to upgrade the entire asphalt parking lot at the township hall.
The project will be discussed at the July 16 township meeting. If contractors
Rick Misek, planning commission chairperson, said the request is the first for the township in about 10 years.
The planning commission had received an application in October 2011 for the new cell tower proposed by AT&T to be erected near Burpee Road between Gale and Vassar roads. However, the planning commission nixed the plan because the township cell tower ordinance requires construction of the tower on township property, unless the tower must be built on private land for coverage reasons.The township will receive the revenues. The township board voted 3-0 in a special meeting in March 2011 to move forward for a new cell tower in the township.
Kautman-Jones, Township Clerk Tere Onica and Treasurer Anne-Marie Slagle voted yes. Trustee Barry June did not attend the meeting.