Construction Set To Begin On New Cell Tower In Monroe: First Selectman

MONROE, CT — Construction is set to begin next week on a new communications tower in Monroe in the wooded area on the northern side of the former Chalk Hill School, according to First Selectman Ken Kellogg and Schools Superintendent Joe Kobza.

"The new tower will provide much-needed cellular coverage to this area of town, including at the school campus, while also allowing the Town to further improve our current public safety radio communications system," the two wrote in a message to residents on Friday.

The project was first proposed in late 2019, and it was the subject of multiple town hearings before approval.

Below is the message Kellogg and Kobza sent to residents with more information:

ARX Wireless to Begin Construction of Communications Tower

Starting as early as next week, ARX Wireless will begin site preparation and construction of a communications tower, located in the wooded area on the northern side of the former Chalk Hill School. This project was proposed by ARX in late 2019, and was presented and discussed at numerous public meetings, including our Planning & Zoning Commission and Town Council, both of which have approved this project. The new tower will provide much-needed cellular coverage to this area of town, including at the school campus, while also allowing the Town to further improve our current public safety radio communications system.

Throughout the coming weeks, residents and parents may see activity in the Chalk Hill parking area, as well as in the adjacent wooded area, as clearing, excavation, pouring of a foundation, and electrical conduit are laid to allow for the construction of the tower. Town Officials, Monroe Police, and the School Administration are in regular communication with ARX to coordinate all activities. Although the hours of construction (7:00 AM – 4:30 PM) include school hours, ARX has specifically agreed to the Town’s direction to not interrupt drop-off or dismissal at either Jockey Hollow or Fawn Hollow Elementary. The company agrees that there is sufficient room in the parking area and at the cell tower site to stage the necessary equipment without interfering with traffic or the use of the fields behind Chalk Hill. All employees and workers on site will be clearly uniformed so as to be identifiable for security purposes. Workers at the site will not have access to either Jockey Hollow or Fawn Hollow.

This message is intended to keep you apprised of the activity taking place in our Town and on our school campuses, and to assure you that the safety of our children and preserving the integrity of our school day, including traffic access and egress, are top priorities.

- First Selectman Ken Kellogg & Superintendent of Schools Joe Kobza