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Churches Lease to Cellular Companies

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Riede Real Estate, Lic. 01310792

Church SteepleThis morning on the news was a story that caught my interest and I had to share with those that haven't heard. A church in Mass. was struck by lightening and did not have the hundred's of thousands needed to rebuild the steeple. A representative from the now Verizon Cellular approached this community and offered to rebuild the steeple in exchange for the opportunity to hide their cellular towers. You know those eye sores that you see periodically that make it possible for us all to communicate.

Since Church steeples reach upward at a great height signaling the community that this is a place of worship, it becomes a great venue to house the hidden nasty towers! The location is perfect because churches are typically located within the center of the community where the transmission is not only necessary but is considered the prime location which in the past had to be avoided due to the appearance. This was a genius plan on the cellular company's part.

  •                            Do Cellular Towers Present a Danger of Cancer?
  •                            Would You Attend Church with Your Family Here?
  • The churches are receiving monthly lease agreement fees from these cellular companies which in turn helps them to provide assistance to their communities and others in need. Read original article.

Instead of a place to HEAR the Word, Churches are now TRANSMITTING the word.

Comments(10)

Amy Dinovo
ALVA International, Inc. - Saint Petersburg, FL
I agree. And what better way to leave "green space" green than to find a place that can be multipurposed to the benefit of all involved. For those fearful of cancer danger from cell towers, I can only say it's time to get educated. Hopefully, the cell company will provide the church with some collateral to address that if it's raised as a concern to the congregation.
Sep 22, 2006 05:33 AM
Eddy Martinez
Nationwide Funding Group - Highland Park, CA
I also think its a great idea. The church does nothing but preach good upon everybody.
Sep 22, 2006 05:40 AM
Carl Guild
Carl Guild & Associates - East Hampton, CT
Central Connecticut Real Estate
That is a great idea, especially because I talk all the time in church and my service is usually spotty..... Just kidding, but hiding towers is a great idea. What is the health aspect? Is there like cellular radiation radiating from them?? Thanks for the story!
Sep 22, 2006 06:49 AM
Jacqulyn Richey
Prominent Realty Group - Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas Real Estate

Its a win-win. The church gets a much needed repair and people don't have to look at an ugly transmitter tower. Some of the ones here in Las Vegas are made to look like pine trees. -Charles

www.lvrealty.net

Sep 22, 2006 08:07 AM
Maureen McCabe
HER Realtors - Columbus, OH
Columbus Ohio Real Estate

I read about this awhile ago but I don't believe there was any mention of the health aspect....I don't think anyone spends enough time in church to have that impact them..(probably not even the most zealous minister... ?)  even if there was a proven effect of cell towers causing cancer.

A church steeple is sure a lot more pleasant to look at that a cell phone tower.   

I would attend church with a cell tower hidden in the steeple but I would be extra careful to make sure my phone was turned off because you'd be sure to get good service in that sanctuary.... 

 

Sep 22, 2006 08:28 AM
Brian Brady
Matthews Capital Markets - Tampa, FL
858-699-4590
This is quite common.  Cell companies have leased church towers, steeples, etc for at least 20 years now.  I personally know of an Episcopal Church in Paradise Valley, AZ that rakes in $4,000/month from their leases to the top 4 cell companies; about 15% of the budget
Sep 22, 2006 07:55 PM
Dave Rosenmarkle
Highland Realty, Inc - Fairfax, VA
33 years of providing fully satisfying service!
What a great idea for churches, the environment and cell companies. Now I gotta go convince my church to erect a steeple.......
Sep 23, 2006 03:49 AM
Donna Quanrud
Coldwell Banker Burnet - Eden Prairie, MN
Donna Quanrud Southwest Metro Homes

Cell towers are usually placed on high ground - I can't think of any higher than the steeple of the local church.

Why do I always seem to get Lychee

Sep 23, 2006 08:00 AM