Community to be Briefed on Piney Orchard Cell Tower

County school officials said there will be a series of community meetings in the near future to present plans for a cell tower on the property of Piney Orchard Elementary School. 

Officials said Wednesday that members of the community will have chance to give feedback on the plan, which calls for a 90-foot tower to be constructed by Milestone Communications. It would initially be built to provide greater coverage for Verizon Wireless customers, though the pole could allow for at least four other carriers. 

The tower would follow a "tree pole" design meant to blend in with surrounding forestry. 

Milestone Communications is expected to present a detailed plan to the county Board of Education before proceeding. On Wednesday, board member Stacy Korbelak, a Piney Orchard resident, said early feedback from the community has been generally positive. 

"The residents all seem very happy they'll be getting better reception," she said. 

The time and location of public meetings has not yet been announced.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools has an agreement with Milestone to receive an upfront payment plus $12,000 in rent per carrier, per year from cell phone towers on school property.