Verizon Wants Cell Tower at Piney Orchard Elementary

Verizon Wireless says there is a gap in its coverage in some parts of Odenton, and it wants to build a new cell tower at Piney Orchard Elementary School.

The 99-foot tower could accomodate as many as five cellular providers and would be located at the southwestern edge of the property, near an existing tree line. The tower would be constructed by Milestone Communications, which specializes in partnering with school districts on cell towers that blend in with their surroundings.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools already has a master leasing agreement with Milestone that pays the school system 40 percent of all rental revenues, or about $12,000 per carrier annually. The pole could accomodate Verizon and four other carriers, Milestone said.  

In addition to the rent money, the public schools would receive a $25,000 one-time payment and $5,000 for each additional carrier locating on the poll.

According to Verizon, the new tower would lead to improved service in virtually all of Piney Orchard south of Waugh Chapel Road. 

Verizon described the pole as a "monopine," designed to look like a real tree. 

If the school board approves the pole construction, Milestone would notify anyone within 250 feet of the property and hold a community meeting on April 23.