New cell-phone antennas proposed in College Township could boost Lemont-area coverage for AT&T and Verizon Wireless customers, company representatives told the township council Thursday.
Mount Nittany United Methodist Church, 1500 E. Branch Road, has reached a tentative agreement to host a new, 75-foot tower behind the church, according to Verizon Wireless and church representatives. The structure, which would double as a functional bell tower, would host AT&T antennas at the 60-foot level and Verizon Wireless antennas at the 70-foot level, attorney Rich Williams said.
He said both communications companies have identified a lack of viable cellular coverage in that area. The new tower would be surrounded with newly planted trees and located 143 feet away from Branch Road. A similar bell tower is already in place on the church grounds.
Details of the companies’ agreement with the church were not disclosed, though a representative said it would last nearly 30 years. The conceptual plan will next undergo a review by the township Zoning Hearing Board before it returns to the council for formal consideration.
In other matters at the township council meeting Thursday:
- Without dissent, the council members gave township staff the go-ahead to review plans for a 70-foot wind turbine at the Penn State Center for Sustainability. The residential-scale turbine would be just off Porter Road near Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. It would serve research and teaching functions at the MorningStar Solar Home that’s also located there, according to the university.
- Council members gave Damon’s, 1031 E. College Ave., the OK to move ahead with plans for a fenced-in patio. The 860-square-foot patio would create more dining space at the restaurant. It’s expected to include a retractable awning.
