Des Plaines Aldermen Revisit T-Mobile Cell Phone Tower Proposal

A proposal to allow T-Mobile to build a cell phone tower in Des Plaines was reconsidered at Tuesday’s city council meeting.

More than a dozen residents turned out at the meeting to express concern over the issue and repeat their sentiments against the tower.  Residents said they are primarily concerned about health risks and property devaluation.

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“Our community is being imposed upon,” said Joseph Ferrini, a nearby resident. “The citizens of Des Plaines do not want this.”

First Ward Alderman Patricia Haugeberg said she wanted to reconsider the issue, saying she believed many residents would be open to a stealth tower instead of the 100-foot lattice-style tower previously proposed. The stealth tower can be built to look like a flagpole while still housing antennas for T-Mobile.  

The proposal to add the cell phone tower dates back at least two years, and residents have submitted petitions and attended City Council and Zoning Board meetings to oppose the plan. If approved, the proposed cell phone tower would be on the 800 block of Central Road.

The proposed cell phone tower would “annihilate” property values in Cumberland Estates, the neighboring residential area, said Richard A. Williams, who was hired by local residents to appraise the value of their property and the effect the proposed cell phone tower would have.

Revenue gained from the potential lease with T-Mobile would be counterbalanced by losses in property tax revenue from residents whose homes would lose value because of the tower, Williams added.

The cell phone tower would allow the city to “co-locate” its antennas and emergency communication equipment, said Michael Duebner, director of information technology for the city. The height of the tower would be the biggest advantage, Duebner said, adding that would improve the signal for emergency equipment.

Des Plaines Police Chief Jim Prandini said that police officers sometimes lose signals on their mobile communication equipment when they are in buildings.

Aldermen Patricia Haugeberg (1st Ward), John Robinson (2nd Ward), Dick Sayad (4th Ward) and Mike Charewicz (8th Ward) voted in favor of the proposal. Mayor Martin Moylan also voted in favor of the proposal and broke the tie among the aldermen, so the cell phone tower proposal will continue to be discussed.

Residents at last night’s meeting said they were confused about what happened but will continue their efforts to fight the proposal, said Candace Lencioni, a resident near the proposed site.

If the proposal is approved, the city would get about $27,000 a year for its lease with T-Mobile, with a possibility of netting $1.4 million over 25 years.

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