FRONT PAGE

Parks district approached for wireless

By Meg Olson

The Point Roberts Parks and Recreation District is the second local district to be approached by Verizon Wireless about the possibility of leasing property for a cellphone antenna.

“It could be a real boost for the parks board because our budget is so small,” said parks board member Irene Waters. I was quite excited about the possibility. It could go into capital funds and be earmarked for something really special.”

The cellular telephone service provider had been in negotiations with the local water district to lease space for a tower structure next to the water tank adjacent to Baker Field – at the highest point on the Point. “The reason they’re after us now is we’re the next highest point,” Waters said.

Water district lawyers had recommended against the deal because it would have constrained the district’s ability to use their 2.2-acre parcel at a time when planning for additional service capacity is underway. The parks department has more land, and owns the old landfill site, which Waters said had limited uses. “It’s not buildable around the old dump so this would be a good site,” she said.

Waters said company representatives wanted to come and walk through the site and present their plans for a 200-foot tower with antennas on a 3,000-square foot footprint. The tower, which would require approval of the county hearing examiner, would need to be located 200 feet from property lines. “We have some flexibility as far as location,” Waters said. Verizon is seeking a 20-year lease.

Before moving forward Waters warned they needed to get some legal advice themselves and clear the proposal with the state auditor. “There are legally only certain things we can do with our land,” she said. She also suggested researching what Verizon was paying for leasing other locations. The suggested lease amount in negotiations with the water district was $1,000 per month. “I think we’ve got to aim high,” said commissioner Shelley Damewood. “There’s got to be a real trade-off for he community.”

Waters said there were benefits for the community beyond the income possibilities for local parks. “It would benefit the school, it would benefit the skate board park, the fire department,” she said, by improving cellular telephone reception.