Slow down on plan to site cell tower at Rideout
Unlike the public outreach to address Acton Center’s coverage gap, there has been no comparable engagement for West Acton.
At a recent West Acton Advisory Committee meeting, the town presented a proposal to site a wireless facility at Rideout Playground, indicating an RFP would be issued this spring.
For many residents, both the proposal and its timing came as a surprise. Unlike the extensive public outreach undertaken to address Acton Center’s well-documented coverage gap, there has been no comparable engagement for West Acton.
The deputy town manager said she is proceeding under a Select Board mandate to have a West Acton wireless project underway in FY26, with the understanding that Rideout is an acceptable site. We are concerned this accelerated timeline is moving the town toward an RFP (request for proposal) before areas of demonstrated need have been clearly established, alternatives compared, or residents meaningfully engaged — particularly since West Acton does not face the same coverage urgency as Acton Center.
Residents report cell service in West Acton is generally reliable. Rideout, meanwhile, is a heavily used playground supporting youth sports and daily family activity in a dense residential neighborhood. A 90-foot monopole and accompanying ground equipment would permanently reduce play space and fundamentally alter the park’s character.
In 2004, Town Meeting voted to remove Rideout from consideration for a cell facility, affirming that a playground is not an appropriate location for such infrastructure. We agree with that principle and believe it should apply consistently to all town playgrounds. Despite greater documented need in Acton Center, Emerson Park has never been proposed as a solution. Rideout should be afforded the same consideration.
Alternatives — including the West Acton MBTA parking area — appear more consistent with town bylaws and merit proper evaluation.
Decisions of this magnitude deserve transparency, consistency, and broad community input. We respectfully ask the Select Board to pause and allow time to assess need, review alternatives, and engage residents in a public forum.
Jean Easterday
Maple Street
