Proposed cell tower in MetroParks presented to Bentleyville council; police say it may help dispatch coverage

During the Feb. 18 meeting, Law Director Joe Grandinetti provided council members with a packet of drawings and a memorandum outlining a proposed cell tower in the MetroParks on a parcel within the Village near the Service Garage.

"It is anticipated every major carrier has proposed to be added as a tenant to the tower. There will be an access road," Grandinetti said, describing the proposal and an anticipated timeline that could place installation later this spring or in the fall, depending in part on tree removal that will likely be required on the site.

Police Chief Gabe Barone said the tower could improve coverage for first-responder communications. "Chagrin Valley Dispatch may be better served by the new tower," he said, and agreed to reach out to the dispatch center for further information. Grandinetti suggested inviting the carriers' attorney to the March council meeting so council can review plans and ask prepared questions.

The law director also asked council members to submit questions in advance so the attorney could be prepared at the March meeting. Grandinetti proposed adding a monitor in the council room in case the carriers present materials next month.

Why it matters: the tower would change land use in the MetroParks parcel, likely require tree clearing and an access road, and could host multiple carriers; it may improve radio and cellular coverage for emergency services—but the minutes record only presentation of plans and do not show a formal vote or final approvals during this meeting.

Next steps: the attorney and carrier representatives are expected to be invited to the March meeting to present details; council members requested the attorney attend and asked that questions be submitted in advance.