Middle School Tower Moves Forward

The Wheeling Township Elementary District 21 in Cook County, Illinois, agreed to allow a proposal for a wireless tower at Holmes Middle School move forward. In a 4-1 vote, the board approved a contract with Horvath Communication, but the project still needs approval from the village after a public hearing is held. The Daily Herald reported that the tower would initially house equipment from T-Mobile, and bring in $15,600 a year for the school. A few board members expressed concerns over how parents and community members might feel, but in order for a public hearing to take place, the board had to approve the contract. “I think to automatically assume people are going to be all up in arms, that has not been the case,” said Staci Allan, who voted in favor of the contract.  (Daily Herald) Allan noted that there are many towers in the town, but one board member noted that there aren’t located near schools. However, a few Northwest Suburban High School District 214 schools have towers, according to the news outlet.