Vertical Bridge is seeking to get the go-ahead for a tower in Peoria, IL that will serve the needs of the area’s public health department, according to the Journal Star. The site is adjacent to the health department complex at 2116 N. Sheridan Road and will host T-Mobile as a lead tenant. The Florida-based tower developer is currently leasing the proposed 1,450 square foot site and has paid an annual fee to the health department of $1,750 since 2019 in anticipation of the build out.
City-County Public Health Administrator Monica Hendrickson, said the proposed tower also will support her office’s work. “It’s going to help our community,” Hendrickson told The Star. “There is a huge [cell phone] drop zone in that area. My staff can tell you first hand.”
Hendrickson said the health department gets very little money for upkeep and uses the leasing funds for capital improvements and basic maintenance. “Any funding stream available is a positive for us,” she said. Since there will be room on the tower for additional tenants, Hendickson said she anticipates an increase in the income it provides over time.
The Peoria City Council will determine the fate of the project at Tuesday night’s meeting following last week’s approval for recommendation by the city Planning and Zoning Commission.
A representative for Vertical bridge, Ray Shinkle said, “We’re here to keep up with demand. It’s really evolved into a health and safety issue.”
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