Lease in place, cell tower completion eyed for next spring

Acton’s newest cell tower could rise over the former town landfill by spring 2026, according to a new estimate from one of the project’s builders.

Wireless Edge Towers President and CEO John Arthur outlined the timeline on Monday as the Select Board discussed a lease agreement between his company and the town. While attention turns to Acton Center and while some oppose the landfill project, board members officially backed the deal. Several said they’re excited for a coverage boost.

“It’s nice to see the opportunity for some actual progress,” said Select Board Clerk Mark Howell. 

Project timeline

Town officials picked Wireless Edge to build a tower at the landfill earlier this year. Officials started negotiating over a small part of the larger site and recently agreed to terms. 

The initial lease runs for 10 years and can be renewed for up to three additional five-year terms. Wireless Edge will pay the town $31,212 in the first year and increase payments by 3% annually. The Town of Acton will get 35% of Wireless Edge’s gross revenues from carriers who sublease tower space, excluding certain costs. 

With the lease approved, Arthur said, “It’s really up to us to move forward as quickly as possible.”

Arthur said his company hopes to submit plans by late June. From there, he said it generally takes about nine months to permit and build a tower. 

A completed structure could rise as tall as 150 feet under town rules, according to Deputy Town Manager Megan Zammuto. Arthur said the tower will have space for five carriers. He said AT&T and Verizon representatives have expressed interest. Others may follow. 

Landfill concerns

Acton’s lack of cell coverage has long prompted safety, convenience, and business concerns. 

While many welcome the landfill project, officials acknowledge it won’t solve problems in Acton Center. 

Kathi Anderson of the Walden Woods Project worried about a “tremendous aesthetic impact” on the nearby Walden Pond State Reservation. In a recent interview, she said there are better alternatives to the site.

As the Zoning Board of Appeals weighs concerns, and as Wireless Edge navigates a state environmental review, Arthur said, town support “is going to be critical.” 

‘On to the next one’

This week’s Select Board meeting came hours after the officials issued a new request for proposals for a cell project at the Umbrella Arts Center on Stow Street. The town owns the Umbrella building and ran an unsuccessful RFP at the site last year. 

Proposals under the new request are due May 27 and come as officials eye several sites to provide downtown coverage. 

“We’re excited,” Zammuto told The Bridge after the lease approval. “On to the next one.”