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Board approves easements allowing three small-cell power crossings for Verizon
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Summary
Directors approved easement agreements to permit electrical service lines that cross township reserve areas to power small-cell nodes for Verizon in three neighborhood locations. The action does not approve small cells in the right-of-way, only the crossing of township-owned reserves for power.
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors voted May 20 to approve easement agreements that allow electrical lines to cross township-owned reserve islands for three small-cell sites proposed by GTE MobileNet of South Texas Limited Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless.
Staff described the item as permission for the power lines that feed the small-cell nodes to cross township-owned reserve parcels; placement of the wireless nodes in the public right-of-way is regulated separately and not an action for the board. “This basically is an easement for the placement of small cell nodes in 3 different locations within the right of way,” Chief Operating Officer Chris Nunes told directors.
Directors discussed the appearance and size of the nodes; staff said many nodes are mounted on or replace existing streetlight poles, are roughly 20 feet tall and painted in muted colors to blend with existing infrastructure. Several directors described the nodes as incremental service improvements.
Director Eisler moved to approve the easement request; Director Sekula Gibbs seconded. The board approved the easements by voice vote.
Why it matters: The decision allows utility crossings on township-owned parcels that provide power to cellular infrastructure in neighborhoods; that physical crossing is within township purview even though pole-mounted small-cell equipment in the right-of-way is governed by other authorities.
What happens next: Township legal staff will finalize easement documents and the president/CEO is authorized to execute the final agreements in form approved by township legal counsel.
