Canton is looking into the possibility of a cell tower on town-owned property.
Residents were notified through the town’s alert system that, weather permitting, a field test will be conducted next week at two potential sites — the and the .
Officials have had preliminary discussion with Global Tower Partners, a company interested in the idea, according to the town officials.
On Thursday, Chief Administrative Officer Robert Skinner said test balloons due to be floated and photographed between 9 a.m. and noon on Feb. 9 will help the town gauge the potential impact of a tower at the locations.
At a past meeting, the Board of Selectmen informally agreed to look further at the idea but it is far from certain, Skinner said.
“We wanted to let people know this could be a possibility,” Skinner said.
The town would benefit financially if it were to allow a company to place a tower on its property. Funds are generated through rental, property taxes and often a portion of the profits, Skinner said. He did not yet have an estimate on how much the town would receive if it were to go ahead with the idea.
While AT&T service works well in Collinsville, many don’t, leaving the likelihood that another tower will be put in the village, he said.
Given that possibility, selectmen will likely at least consider the fact that putting one on property it owns would allow he town to control the location and reap the financial benefits, he said.
There is an AT&T run tower on top of Town Hall but its capacity remains unclear.
"There are several issues, including ownership of the tower, currently being negotiated with AT&T," Skinner said.
