Thursday, May 8
EAST DORSET — Town officials are looking to bring more bars to area cell phones.

Town Manager Peter Webster said he is pursuing a plan that would build a municipal cell tower off Dorset West Road, near its intersection with Church Street, to improve cell phone reception in town.

"There is very little, if not no, cell coverage on the west side of town," he said.

Webster notified the Dorset Planning Commission of the proposed plan, which is still in its early stages, on Tuesday. At a previous Select Board meeting, he got the green light to go forward with compiling information about and looking into the practicality of the tower, he said.

The tower would be located on 2.3 acres of land currently owned by the Prudential Committee, the governing body of the Dorset Fire Department, Webster said. He said he has been told this would be an ideal spot for a tower, but he said more research still needs to be done before the site is finalized.

Ideally, the tower would increase coverage along the Route 30 corridor and the Dorset Hollow area, he said, improving emergency communications and everyday conversation.

"It's become a necessity, not a luxury, to

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have cell coverage throughout one's town," he said recently. "I've heard from all the owners of the inns and the (bed and breakfasts) how important it is for their customers."

Webster said it is up to the town to build it because none of the major cell phone companies have shown an interest in building their own tower. He estimated the project would initially cost the town about $75,000 to $150,000, but he expected a quick return on the town's investment once cell phone companies purchase leases.

"I've been told if you build it, they will come," he said, adding the town would make sure there are interested parties before building.

Webster said a cell tower can accommodate three to four cell phone companies. He estimated each one would pay about $15,000 to $30,000 a year.

He said he could not estimate the approximate height of the cell tower until more research is done. However, he said it would not be one of the more than 200-foot towers, which requires lights on top. It would, it is hoped, blend into the landscape like the one on Green Peak, he said.

Webster said neighbors of the property and the Prudential Committee have been supportive of the plan. In addition to cell phone coverage, the tower might improve the reception of Vermont Public Radio in town.

Before the plan can be fully implemented, Webster said he needs to hire a consultant, develop a budget and gain permits, such as a state Act 250 permit, for the plan. Overall though, he said the plan appears like it will have a positive impact on the town.

"From my vantage point, it seems like a win-win to pursue it," he said.

If all goes as planned, Webster said the tower could be built later this year.

The Manchester Journal contributed to this report.