Noank Cell Phone Tower Application

    The Noank Fire District will have a special public meeting Thursday March 27, at 7:00pm at the Noank Firehouse to act on a resolution to authorize the Executive Committee to negotiate and enter into a lease for use of land on Brook St for a cellular telephone tower.  The site was previously used for a large water tank, now removed, which had been connected to the Noank Water Company distribution system.

The space allocation for the tower would be 60' by 60' and the Noank Fire District would continue to have use of the rest of the site, including the existing utility building. Preliminary discussions with the cellular tower construction company have been held previously and the following proposals discussed:

a) The land lease would be $2000/ month paid to the District with a 3% annual increase. The lease would be for 5 year increments, with renewals for 9 increments of 5 year terms.
  
b) The Lease would be for the first cellular service company to actually use the site.  Noank would receive 10% of any revenue for additional users, with up to 3 additional cellular service companies on the site.   

c) There would be a $1000 non-refundable deposit while the cell tower company worked through the siting council application.   

d) The Cell tower company would have 2 years to receive proper citing approval or lease would be void. The Company could ask for an extension.

e) The Cell tower itself would be a 100' mono-pole with a paint scheme similar to the large water storage tank at the top of Fort Hill. Support structures for the cell tower would also be built on 60' by 60' site, which would be enclosed by opaque fencing.  

Overall, there is a very strong need for improved cellular telephone service in the Noank and neighboring areas. The increasing use of wireless communications of all types is the biggest argument for this new tower, especially with the increasing number of  "dropped" calls in our area.  It would therefore be a plus for Noank, Groton Long Point and Mumford Cove residents along with the many boat operators in Long Island Sound. Additionally, with most 911 emergency calls now being wireless, it is also a public safety issue.