SEA ISLE CITY – Council passed a resolution to allow for the placement of a cellular communications tower at Dealy Field during the regular meeting Feb. 11. The pole, which would be owned by the city, has the potential to generate up to $9,000 per month in leasing fees from various cellular providers.
City Attorney Paul Baldini said the need for additional antennas was raised based on increased consumer usage. Six months ago, Verizon contacted the city, citing increased reports of dropped calls and loss of wireless connectivity in the area. The cellular company asked that an additional pole be erected on city property somewhere between 50th street and 75th street.
After scouting possible locations within that area, Dealy Field, located between 59th Street and 63rd Street on Central Avenue, was determined to be the best spot.
“The law says you are prohibited from prohibiting towers,” said Baldini. “In other words, a cell company has the right to service its public and if you don’t allow them to service their public, federal law will trump your zoning ordinance and they will be able to place a tower somewhere in your town where they can meet the needs of the users of their system.”
In addition to a cellular pole, the antennas require space on the ground to house additional equipment, including a generator. If placed at Dealy Field, the existing building would house the equipment.
The pole would also have a series of lights, which Baldini said would help illuminate the baseball field. Additionally, the pole is designed to withstand Hurricane-force winds and the accompanying antennas exceed federal safety standards.
“I’d love to light the baseball field,” said Council Member Frank Edwardi. “As you know, that’s my passion for the kids.”
Edwardi was, however, concerned about construction impeding on upcoming recreational camps.
Baldini explained that if the project is kept on a tight schedule then construction shouldn’t interfere with the field’s activities. This would allow for increased cellular service to be up and running by July.
However, City Engineer Andrew Previti said the project would be more likely to start in September.
“I think this is going to be a service to our tourists and to our residents here in the summertime,” said Council Member John Divney.
To contact Kirby Reed, email kreed@cmcherald.com.
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