MONROE, CT — In a joint statement, First Selectman Ken Kellogg and Superintendent of Schools Joseph Kobza announced that construction of a communications tower, in a wooded area on the northern side of the former Chalk Hill School, will start as early as next week.
The project, proposed by ARX Wireless in late 2019, was presented and discussed at numerous public meetings, including meetings held by the Planning & Zoning Commission and Town Council, both of which approved the proposal.
“The new tower will provide much-needed cellular coverage to this area of town, including at the school campus, while also allowing the Town to further improve our current public safety radio communications system,” the statement by Kellogg and Kobza read.
“Throughout the coming weeks, residents and parents may see activity in the Chalk Hill parking area, as well as in the adjacent wooded area, as clearing, excavation, pouring of a foundation, and electrical conduit are laid to allow for the construction of the tower,” Kellogg said.
Town Officials, Monroe Police, and the School Administration are in regular communication with ARX to coordinate all activities. Though the hours of construction – 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – include school hours, ARX agreed not to interrupt drop-off or dismissal at either Jockey Hollow or Fawn Hollow Elementary.
The company agrees there is sufficient room in the parking area and at the cell tower site to stage the necessary equipment without interfering with traffic or the use of the fields behind Chalk Hill, according to Kobza and Kellogg.
All employees and workers on site will be uniformed, so they are identifiable for security purposes. Workers at the site will not have access to either Jockey Hollow or Fawn Hollow.
“This message is intended to keep you apprised of the activity taking place in our Town and on our school campuses, and to assure you that the safety of our children and preserving the integrity of our school day, including traffic access and egress, are top priorities,” Kellogg and Kobza stated.
