Council Could Restrict (But Not Ban) Cell Towers at Schools

The Anne Arundel County Council said it will no longer seek a ban on cell towers on school properties, but could impose restrictions that would make construction more difficult. 

The council on Monday night said it will discuss amended legislation that calls for cell towers to be constructed at least 300 feet from a school structure and 500 feet from any home. Previously, it had considered a bill that would prohibit cell towers on school property altogether. 

The discussion has come in response to recent objections to a proposed cell tower at Piney Orchard Elementary School. 

Anne Arundel County Public Schools has endorsed a plan by Milestone Communications to build a tower at the school. Milestone said it would be built to address a coverage gap by Verizon.

Milestone currently has a master lease agreement that covers the construction of towers at all school properties; in theory, the school system could net $5 million. 

Nearby residents have expressed a variety of concerns over the proposed tower, including possible health effects from radio waves, concern over property values and general aesthetics.

Jeff Andrade, President of the Piney Orchard Community Association, said that most residents aren't opposed to cell towers in general, and noted that there are several in use in the community. But he said there are other sites in the area that Milestone could use, including a site owned by BGE and some common areas in Piney Orchard. Milestone, he said, has offered no response regarding the suggested alternatives. The company has not yet submitted a formal plan to the county.

Andrade also said it's his belief that construction of a cell tower would violate covenant agreements that restrict what can be built on school properties. 

School officials said that even with the amendments, the new setback restrictions would essentially prohibit construction at many school sites.

Barbara Pivec, a consultant who has advised municipalities on where to place cell towers, said a ban on using school properties would make it harder for communities to ensure broad cell phone service. She referred to wireless phone service as "a necessary utility."

"It would serve to limit the options for providing seamless coverage in densely populated areas," she said of the proposed bill. 

The county council will take up the amended bill on Nov. 4.