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Council approves ground‑lease for cell tower near Wayland Field over objections about proximity to school
Summary
Council approved Bill 2102 authorizing a five‑year ground lease with options for a disguised cell tower near Wayland Field and adjacent to a middle school play field; some council members raised questions about 5G emissions and distance to school, but staff noted FCC rules and lease scope.
The council approved Bill 2102 on May 12 to authorize a five‑year ground lease (with renewal options) to VB/Vortic Bridge for a concealed cell‑tower installation adjacent to Wayland Field, east of the middle school play field.
Staff described the site as roughly 50 by 40 feet off Adams Boulevard and noted the initial lease rate set by appraisal is $2,500 per month with an annual escalation and additional monthly fees for extra carriers. The tower will be constructed to appear as a coniferous tree (a “stealth” tower) and will require permitting, and carriers that attach antennas will pay additional rent.
Council members questioned whether the tower will host 5G equipment and health implications given the proximity (staff said towers are subject to FCC emission rules and that the lease governs land use not carrier technologies). Legal counsel said the city could follow up with the company to learn planned carrier partners but the lease typically does not constrain carrier‑level technology. One council member voted against the measure; the motion passed 4–1.
Next steps: The applicant will pursue building permits and the operator will lease space to carriers; staff said the city will ask the operator about planned carriers before final installation and ensure building permits and code requirements are met.
