Homeland Towers LLC is in the process of arranging a 55-year lease with the town of Brookfield to build a 150-foot cell tower on property just behind the Pocono Road volunteer fire station.
Company executives and construction engineer met with the Board of Selectmen on Monday night to explain the project that is intended to improve cell service in town, as well as upgrade emergency response for the town’s first responders. The presentation was short, and no one from the public offered any objection.
A special town meeting will now be scheduled for 7 p.m. on Feb. 3, a half-hour before the Board of Selectmen’s regular meeting.
The process to construct the cell tower is likely to take at least two years; the state Siting Council must grant official approval. In its agreement, Homeland Towers will pay the town $1,000 for an initial 18-month option and $1,000 more for an additional year if needed.
The initial contract is for 10 years with nine renewable terms of five-years each. Monthly rent is to be more than $1,800 or 25 percent of gross income collected by Homeland Towers, with rent to commence upon construction.
The cell tower can accommodate up to six commercial carriers as well as the town’s emergency communication upgrade requirements.