Wake school board set to discuss proposed cell tower near school: news
13-10-2026
Wake County School Board Reviews Controversial Cell Tower Proposal Near Brassfield Road Elementary
The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) Board of Education is preparing to deliberate on a proposal to install a new wireless telecommunications tower on the grounds of Brassfield Road Elementary School in North Raleigh.
Key Details of the Proposed Cell Tower
Structure specifications: The application calls for a 199-foot monopole disguised as a faux pine tree (“monopine”) placed at the outer perimeter of the school campus.
Intended purpose: Proponents and wireless industry representatives emphasize that the installation would eliminate existing coverage dead zones, providing dependable high-speed connectivity and crucial emergency communication access for faculty, first responders, and surrounding neighborhoods. Additionally, school property leases can generate recurring district revenue.
Neighborhood Pushback and Community Concerns
The proposed installation has sparked considerable debate among local parents and nearby homeowners, centering on several primary issues:
Proximity to classrooms: Residents have raised objections regarding the continuous electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure for young children in close proximity, citing precautionary principles despite FCC regulatory compliance standards.
Neighborhood aesthetics and property values: Opponents note that a nearly 200-foot structureeven disguisedalters the residential visual landscape and could affect adjoining property evaluations.
Alternative compromises: Community members have advocated for exploring off-campus commercial locations or reducing the tower’s height if approval moves forward.
The Wake County school board is scheduled to consider public feedback and weigh the district’s infrastructure priorities before taking a formal vote on the lease agreement.