T-Mobile Cell Tower Lease Up for Committee Discussion

The Chatham Township Committee may discuss the possibility of putting a temporary cellular tower at Esternay Field when they meet Thursday.

T-Mobile previously entered into an agreement with a resident of River Road to place their temporary cell tower on residential property, but the exact location was in a conservation easement.

Neighbors objected vehemently at the committee's August meeting, and the Chatham Township Committee decided T-Mobile needed to find a different site.

At the Sept. 13 meeting, . "It's graded and flat," he said.

The tower will be a 150-ft. monopole located in an enclosed area of about 30 ft. by 30 ft., similar to the tower now located near Colony Pool. "They said it's the only way to get the service coverage area they need," Woodward said.

However, one township resident has already written a Letter to the Editor to Chatham Patch expressing her concerns about the tower and encouraging others to join her in discouraging the committee from allowing it at Esternay.

T-Mobile, along with AT&T, have cell towers located on top of existing PSE&G utility towers within Chatham Township. During PSE&G's North Central Reliability Project, the mobile companies needed to find alternative temporary cell tower locations so their customers do not experience any loss of service in the area.

Both companies have entered into previous agreements with the township to construct temporary cell towers in town. One, located near Colony Pool, put the gravel lot of the pool off-limits for residents. The lot is often used as for overflow parking at Chatham High School.

The second tower is located next to the Chatham Township Municipal Building.

The Chatham Township Committee meets at 7:30 p.m. at the township municipal building. A full copy of the agenda is attached to this article.