A private school in Lafayette, California, St. Perpetua Catholic School, is in negotiations with AT&T to construct a cell tower on campus grounds. This would include several antennas, as well as a 16-foot “bell” tower to be added to a building. AT&T is attempting to improve a wireless coverage gap for its consumers in the area. However, many parents of the students are unhappy about the proposition. According to one concerned parent, “It concerns me that the church is making a monetarily based decision that might end up harming the kids.”
What is the true value to the tower company for the use of school property? Vertical Consultants has worked with all types of property owners, including schools and municipalities, who are being paid below-market value for the use of their property. The primary reason for this is the lack of information and representation provided for these entities. Ample information and representation from a true landowner advocate are key factors these industries need in order to optimize the use of their properties. Vertical Consultants has made its mission to provide our clients the data they need. While telecom companies have professionals on their side who know the true value of every tower site they control, property owners should have advocates working for them determining options to optimize their telecom assets.
(http://www.ktvu.com/news/news/local/controversy-erupts-over-lafayette-school-cell-towe/ncncB/)
