Location

The subject property is located just off of Great Seneca Highway a bit north of Upshire Circle.

AT&T is proposing to place a cell tower and associated structure just off of Great Seneca Highway a bit north of Upshire Circle. The Mayor & City Council held a discussion at their July 8, 2019 Work Session to provide an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed plans. Based on feedback from the meeting, AT&T modified the location of the proposed tower as shown in the top photo. 

Status

March 4, 2021

As directed by the Mayor and City Council, staff identified consultants capable of verifying the RF needs for the proposed AT&T cell tower project off of Great Seneca Highway and identifying alternative sites. The City issued an RFP, and a lead proposal was identified.  Staff provided a copy of the proposal to AT&T as a courtesy, and then followed up with them regarding an earlier conversation about potential reimbursement for costs associated with verifying the RF requirements. The proposal had been reviewed at many levels within AT&T and generated many internal discussions.  Subsequently, we received an email from the project manager stating, “At this point AT&T wants to go in a different direction with providing FirstNet and commercial coverage to the area if possible.”  A letter titled, “AT&T Suffield / Steps Forward” was attached to the email and stated, “This planned site was identified as a priority location by state and local public safety personnel. We appreciate your collaboration on this proposed site. At this time, however, we are suspending our plans.” A full copy of the AT&T letter is attached.

---

July 6, 2020

Following the February 3, 2020 Public Discussion on the proposed AT&T cell tower off of Great Seneca Highway, the Mayor and Council requested additional information from AT&T representatives. The proposal will be brought back to the Mayor and Council under “Staff Guidance” at the July 6 meeting. Staff will be presenting to the Council the additional information, submitted by AT&T, and seeking guidance on the proposed project.

As this will be a virtual meeting, there will be no provision for in-person comments. Written comments on this proposed project should be submitted to Cindy.Hines@gaithersburgmd.gov and individuals wishing to speak can find information on how to watch/participate in the meeting here.

Post Meeting Update

The Mayor & City Council directed staff to explore having an independent consultant analyze the need and coverage requirements (including those necessary for FirstNet), as well as identify alternative sites and/or methods for meeting those needs. Staff will consult with AT&T in developing the scope of work. The City will then issue a request for information to firms capable of undertaking this type of study.

February 3, 2020

A Public Discussion on the proposed AT&T cell tower of off Great Seneca Highway will be held on Monday, February 3, 2020 in the Council Chambers at City Hall (31 South Summit Avenue). AT&T representatives will be bringing back their proposal in which the tower has been moved further north and slightly east of the original location. Detailed location information can be found in the Aerial Locations file.

October 9, 2019

Following a meeting with staff, AT&T has modified the location of the proposed tower, moving the tower 304.5 feet north and 25.5 feet east of the location originally proposed (further away from nearby residences). AT&T will be conducting a visual impact test in which they will raise a balloon to the height of the proposed monopole – 160 ft. The test is scheduled for October 9, 2019 from noon until 7 p.m. Should the test be canceled due to weather conditions, the balloon test will be conducted on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 from noon until 7 p.m.  A letter was sent by AT&T to residents in the surrounding area announcing the test. The letter stated in error that the property on which the test was to be conducted was owned by AT&T.  This property is owned by the City of Gaithersburg.

July 8, 2019

Following the public discussion held during the July 8, 2019 Work Session, the Mayor & City Council declined to support the AT&T cell tower proposed to be located off of Great Seneca Highway. In denying the request, they cited the lack of information showing a real need for the tower at the proposed location, the absence of analyses of alternate locations, and the visual impact the tower would have on nearby neighborhoods. However, the Mayor & City Council did support staff in continuing to work with AT&T to find a more suitable location to bring back to the Mayor & Council at a public meeting.