Construction of a long-awaited cell phone tower on Palmerton Area School District property in Lower Towamensing Township could start next month.

Palmerton Area School District Facilities Manager Joe Faenza, during a school board workshop Tuesday night, said Verizon plans to put the tower work out for bid next week.

“I think discussion about this started back in 2018,” Faenza said. “This is actually going to be one of the highest towers Verizon has done around here at 235 feet high.”

Palmerton has 32.85 acres across from its high school/junior high property.

The tower will be on that land off Dusty Lane, to the north of Fireline Road.

“The lease fee paid to the district will be $59 a month,” Faenza said. “That will increase 10% every five years for as long as we keep continuing the lease.”

The lease and the fees associated with it will begin the day Verizon begins construction.

“It’s looking right now,” Faenza said, “like that could be in December.”