Committee recommends Dish Wireless permit for Marlborough water tank

MARLBOROUGH -- July 14, 2025, Marlborough committee advances Dish Wireless antennas on Fairmount Hill water tank. The Public Services Committee voted 3-0 Monday to recommend a special permit letting Dish Wireless install nine antennas, 12 remote radio units and ground equipment in a 10-by-10-foot lease area at 115 Onamog Street., with consultant Jerry Squires saying only three antennas would go up initially. The decision incorporates conditions from Assistant Commissioner of Utilities Chris Lafrenia requiring coordination with Utility Service Co., the city's 15-year tank maintenance contractor, and putting removal costs on Dish. Councilor Laura Doucette caught a drafting error calling the host structure a "monopole" rather than a water tower. In a separate 3-0 vote, the committee approved Comcast's petition to trench 158 feet of three-inch PVC conduit across Forest Street to serve 630 Forest St. after a property owner blocked an overhead alternative. Full council action is expected Aug. 18.