Hemby Bridge board approves 18-year lease extension for Crown Castle cell tower

In a recent meeting of the Union County Public School Board of Education, a significant discussion unfolded regarding the lease extension for a cell tower located on the site of the future Middle School High School D in Hemby Bridge. The board reviewed a proposal from Crown Castle, the current lessee, seeking a 30-year extension to their existing lease, which began in February 2011 and is set to expire in 2032. After negotiations, the board agreed to an 18-year extension, pushing the lease expiration to 2050.

The current monthly rent of $1,508 will see an increase to $2,000, along with a signing bonus, as part of the new agreement. Additionally, the school district receives 20% of the rent from any subtenants, which currently amounts to approximately $1,205 per month, with a scheduled 15% increase every five years.

Board members raised concerns about the proximity of the cell tower to the planned school facilities. However, it was clarified that the tower is situated in the northernmost part of the property, away from the main school buildings and near parking lots and athletic fields. This distance, estimated to be around 400 to 500 feet from any playgrounds, alleviated some worries about safety and noise.

The discussion also touched on the potential future sale of the property. If the land were to be sold, the lease would transfer to the new owner, which could impact the property's value. Board members expressed that while the presence of the cell tower might not significantly detract from the land's appeal, it remains a consideration for any future development plans.

Ultimately, the board unanimously approved the lease extension, reflecting a strategic decision to secure ongoing revenue while planning for the future of the school site. As the meeting concluded, the board members acknowledged the importance of balancing community needs with financial opportunities, setting the stage for continued discussions on the district's long-term plans.