T-Mobile Antenna Proposal
T-Mobile Northeast LLC, a cellular telephone company, has proposed building a lightpole with cellular telephone antennas near the baseball field at Whitman. In an e-mail to the Whitman PTSA,T-Mobile has provided the following description of its plans:
“T-Mobile Northeast LLC (d/b/a T-Mobile) is interested in installing a 120’ high lightpole near the baseball field off River Road at Walt Whitman High School. Athletic field lights would be installed on the pole at a height of 48’; telecommunications antennas would be installed for T-Mobile at the top of the pole. Cables would connect underground to T-Mobile’s equipment compound, to be located on a 10’ x 20’ concrete compound. T-Mobile would enter into a long term leasing agreement with the Montgomery County Public School system, with direct financial benefits to Walt Whitman High School as well as to the school system.
“T-Mobile has worked closely with the school to find a location which would not interfere with traffic, parking or the use of school grounds and athletic fields. The proposed location was chosen after several site visits with school staff. T-Mobile would now like to present the proposal to the PTA. T-Mobile will also be meeting with neighbors and community associations. The Montgomery County Planning Board would need to approve the installation.”
To see T-Mobile's site plans, click here... T-Mobile Zoning Map...
During the next few weeks, T-Mobile plans to fly a balloon at the site and take photographs to simulate the visual impact of the pole.
Dr. Goodwin has stated that the school supports the proposal because it will improve cellular service in the area.
Representatives of T-Mobile will present the company’s plans at the Whitman PTSA meeting on Tuesday, November 17. The meeting will begin at 7:30 PM. Members of the community are welcome to attend.