Published in the August 30, 2017 edition
Preparation is underway for the new Methodist Church steeple. (Mark Sardella Photo)
By MARK SARDELLA
WAKEFIELD – It’s finally happening.
After several years and a few attempts that didn’t pan out, the Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church is finally getting its new steeple/cellular communications tower. Scaffolding currently surrounds the church’s tower as preparations are underway for the installation of the new steeple.
Three years ago, the Zoning Board of Appeals approved the Special Permit application of Bell Atlantic Mobile/Verizon Wireless to construct a 124-foot steeple on the church that would house wireless communications antennas. The approval came despite vocal opposition for some neighbors, mostly objecting to the height.
Wireless companies often look to place their antennas in church steeples due to their height and the ability to conceal the equipment in residential neighborhoods. The lease arrangements also turn out to be a financial blessing to the houses of worship.
Last summer, attorney Chris Swiniarski, representing Verizon Wireless, told the ZBA that in the course of preparing for construction it was determined that the existing structure would not be able to support the original design.
Verizon sought a modification of the board’s August 22, 2014 Special Permit decision that would allow them to erect a much smaller 87-foot steeple. The ZBA granted the modification a year ago.
Due to improvements in technology, there will no longer be any need for the air conditioning condenser units next to the church that the original design called for. That equipment and the potential noise coming from them was another concern of neighbors. A back-up gas generator shown on the original plans will remain.
The overall height and bulk of the new steeple will be significantly reduced from the one that was originally proposed and is expected to be more palatable to the neighborhood.
The new steeple will be made of a fiberglass composite that allows wireless frequencies to penetrate through. The two antenna units would be located inside the steeple, right under a small dome at the top. One of the antennas would be at 80 feet and the other at 77 feet. There will be space available lower down in the steeple that could accommodate future additional wireless carriers’ antennas.
A crane will be used to put the new steeple in place, and construction should only take a few days once the crane is brought in.
Delivery of the new steeple is expected in the next couple of weeks.
