Ocean Pines authorizes Milestone Towers site lease for disguised cell tower; board hears questions about aesthetics and removal

The Ocean Pines Association board authorized a site lease with Milestone Towers that will permit Milestone to construct a disguised cell tower in the community. Chief Robinson presented the agreement and said Milestone will handle permits and construction; the proposed structure will be designed to blend in and "look like a tree," he said.

Chief Robinson told directors the association would receive a ground-rent arrangement and a share of gross revenues. "We're gonna get 40% of the revenue that is for the rent," the chief said, adding that with a single carrier the first-year return could be a little over $36,000 (including an initial $20,000 payment), and that with all three major carriers—Verizon, AT&T and T‑Mobile—on board the rent could be in the mid‑$30,000s annually.

Directors and the public asked practical questions. Director Elaine sought confirmation that if Milestone or carriers later abandon the site the company would be required to remove the structure at its expense; the chief and staff agreed the lease contains removal obligations and that language should be clear. Director Steve asked for clarity on the definition of gross revenues, noting a concern that carriers and Milestone could structure front‑end deals that reduce reported rental revenue; staff said they had benchmarked Milestone’s other local contracts and found the projected returns consistent with market practice.

The board moved and approved the authorization to sign the site lease agreement. Chief Robinson said construction and full permitting could take until the following November and that Milestone expects to manage permitting and carrier arrangements.

Provenance: Discussion and approval of the Milestone Towers site lease are recorded in the transcript between SEG 1924 and SEG 2078.