Vital statistics: park to receive $24,000 a year, 25-year agreement
Some Rolling Meadows, IL residents are opposing a proposed 110-foot Verizon Wireless tower, that will double as a flagpole, planned for Kimball Hill Park, reported the Daily Herald.
The proposal is being presented by Central States Tower and has been in development for over two years since there’s a need for a wireless antenna and there’s no room available on a nearby water tower. One of the stipulations by the park board is to construct a camouflaged tower, hence the flagpole design. The park district also stands to collect $24,000 a year – under a 25-year agreement – from Verizon. However, the city council has not yet voted on the special use permit needed to begin tower construction. Earlier this month, the city’s planning and zoning commission voted against the proposal.
Additionally, there seems to be some confusion over the height of the pole. According to City Manager Barry Krumstok, officials have been led to believe that the pole will be 75-feet tall (not 110-feet), the maximum height allowed without needing approval from the city council.
Regarding the opinions of residents, some are for and some are against the tower. One that’s opposed, resident Jim Roberts, noted, “It’s not about the cell tower. It’s about its location in a city park. It will completely ruin the look of the park.”
Still, other residents cite noise as a concern, fearing that the backup generator will be heard in neighboring backyards. In response, a Verizon representative commented that the generator will be no louder than an air conditioning unit.
As for next steps? Uncertainty exists over the zoning code language and the exact parameters of the proposed project. The park will consider delaying tower construction for the next month until the city reevaluates its code.
September 25, 2017
Reader Interactions