Developer outlines telecommunications study; board open to public safety solutions

Louis Vitale, a representative of Mariner Tower, told the Select Board on May 27 that his firm (an independent tower developer) performs search‑ring analyses and due diligence (FAA/environmental surveys, zoning review) to identify multi‑carrier tower sites. Vitale described Mariner's neutral‑host approach — pursuing multi‑tenant sites so carriers need not build competing single‑carrier towers — and offered to conduct a more detailed, town‑specific study that would identify A/B/C candidate parcels.

Vitale asked whether the town wanted the public safety facility included in the analysis or whether the town would lease space on the existing public safety tower to a wireless carrier. Board members said the town’s policy is to improve citizen cell coverage for public safety and that leasing space would be considered; they did not preclude other options and noted previous assessments suggesting the existing tower's height might limit placements. Members stressed that the primary goal is improved public‑safety coverage rather than selecting a specific developer or site.

Vitale said his company would proceed if the telecommunications committee and town can confirm policy direction (whether the public safety tower is available for carriers) because that affects the economics and site viability. The board encouraged the committee and staff to continue evaluation and indicated willingness to entertain options that improve coverage for residents and first responders. The Select Board did not take a formal vote but instructed staff and the telecommunications committee to continue the study work and to provide clear policy guidance on public safety site use before the consultant proceeds to final site recommendations.