2 Cell Towers Could Net $50K for Township Coffers

Upper Macungie Township could realize $50,000 in revenue if it allows Verizon to place two cell phone towers within the township.

The subject was broached during a 2014 budget work session last week.

Township officials say the new towers are tentatively planned for the old helicopter pad behind the municipal building and another behind the ball field at Breinigsville Park.

The towers would alleviate bad reception in the area, particularly throughout Breinigsville and improve radio and phone reception for police in that area.

Township officials say other locations for cell phone towers would be problematic due to all the big warehouses and other buildings in the area.

The township would receive between $1,500 to $1,700 per month from Verizon for the towers, plus a sales percentage. The township is expected to garner about $4,000 per month as a result.

"That's $50,000 per year worth of free money," said Upper Macungie Township Supervisor Edward Earley.

Further reports concerning the cell phone towers will be given to supervisors at the next budget work session meeting next month.