Township votes to seek cell-tower proposals to improve coverage at parks and public sites
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Summary
The Board approved releasing an RFP to permit cell-tower companies to propose tower installations and lease terms on township-owned parks, citing persistent coverage gaps and public-safety concerns; staff identified candidate park locations and said stealth designs and generator requirements will be part of the RFP.
The Woodlands Township Board voted Dec. 4 to release a request for proposals for cellular infrastructure on township-owned properties after staff presented coverage mapping and candidate site locations.
William Pham, who led the staff presentation, showed maps the board described as highlighting persistent orange and red zones where mobile coverage is unreliable. Staff proposed candidate locations at multiple parks, including Rob Fleming Recreation Center, Bear Branch Sports Fields, Cattail Park, Tamarac Park, Lakeside Park, Shadow Bend, Alden Bridge Sports Fields and the township emergency training center.
"We can require stealth towers," Pham said, describing options that mimic vegetation or other structures to reduce visual impact, and noted RFPs would include generation requirements for resiliency. Board members asked that leases and revenue-sharing proposals be evaluated as part of the selection.
Several directors framed the issue as a public-safety priority. "This is a public-safety issue," the chair said during debate, noting dropped calls during storms and events. Staff said macro towers proposed for parks would generally include generators and that small‑cell options (on poles) rely on batteries and have shorter backup times.
The board discussed required public hearings for siting towers on park land and asked staff to provide clearer maps and outreach. The motion to release the RFP (CDash22025Dash0243) passed by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will finalize and release the RFP, accept proposals, and return to the board with evaluated proposals and site-specific plans; each recommended site will require notice and a public hearing before any final lease is approved.
