What to know about Kennebunk’s plans for a new cell tower
Kennebunk Approves New Cell‑Tower Plan for Factory Pasture Lane
The town of Kennebunk announced that a proposed cell‑tower project has received final conditional approval from the planning board, setting the stage for construction that could begin as early as the winter or spring. The tower, a 176‑foot monopole antenna, will sit on a parcel off Factory Pasture Lane in the town’s industrial zone.
The proposal, filed by Wireless Edge Towers LLC, was presented to the public at a hearing on September 14. Town officials, attorneys, and community members all had the opportunity to ask questions and express concerns. A resident raised the issue of visibility from Water Street, prompting the company’s attorney to explain that the tower’s height is constrained by coverage requirements but is still kept as low as possible. “While some towers can reach up to 200 feet, we aim to keep it as low as possible while still filling the gaps in coverage provided by carriers like Verizon and AT&T,” said Michael Dolan.
The tower’s design incorporates a fenced equipment compound and is surrounded by tree cover. According to the company, trees along Factory Pasture Lane average 70 feet tall, and the company plans to maintain a neutral color for the structure to blend with the surrounding landscape. “We’re also considering ways to mitigate aesthetic issues, such as making the tower a neutral color that would be easier on the eyes,” added Osterrieder.
Chief among the conditions approved by the board are the inclusion of additional performance guarantees and an updated landscaping plan. Once those items are satisfied, the project should not require further board discussion. “We’re in the tail end of the planning process,” said Christopher Osterrieder, Kennebunk’s director of community development. “Depending on the timing from Wireless Edge, construction could begin as early as this winter or spring.”
The town will retain ownership of the land and will lease the plot to Wireless Edge Towers. The company will shoulder all construction costs, and the town will receive financial compensation for the lease. “The town is not incurring any costs,” said Stephen Houdlette, the director of economic vitality. “The project will also contribute to a regional network of public‑safety operators in York County while improving connectivity throughout the region.”
Residents who attended the hearing expressed a mix of concerns and optimism. While some worry about the tower’s visual impact, officials have emphasized that the company’s design aims to minimize the eyesore. “I hope that — especially for businesses and residents close by — the tower won’t be as great an eyesore as some fear,” said Osterrieder.
With the planning board’s final conditional approval in place, the next steps will involve satisfying the agreed conditions and securing any remaining permits. If all goes according to plan, Kennebunk could see a new cell tower rising over Factory Pasture Lane within the next few months, bringing enhanced coverage to downtown and the surrounding area.
