Official Decries 'False Rumors' On 5G

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — Western Springs' village president this week advised residents to avoid the spread of "false rumors," particularly about the issue of 5G antennas. She said an untrue letter was recently sent to members of the Forest Hills Elementary PTA.

"In the future, please verify any information you find concerning that does not come directly from the village. If you receive an email from an organization other than the village, please contact the village before assuming it's true," Village President Alice Gallagher said at Monday's Village Board meeting.

While officials did not reveal what was in the PTA letter, Village Manager Ingrid Velkme said residents were concerned with poles and stakes seen in the Forest Hills neighborhood. She said the village believed the poles were ComEd's, but was unsure about the existence of the stakes.

Residents apparently believed the poles and stakes were there for the installation of 5G antennas, which are for the next generation of cellphone technology. In both Western Springs and Hinsdale, residents have banded together to protest the possibility of 5G antennas, saying they fear the antennas' microwave radiation could cause a variety of health problems. They have formed a Facebook group, and leaders from both villages are pushing the state to give greater local control over the placement of antennas.

At the meeting, Gallagher assured residents the village is on top of the issue. Just last week, the village rejected a 5G application from Houston-based Crown Castle, saying it was incomplete and deficient.

"So far, staff and legal counsel have effectively stalled the permit application process," Gallagher said.

Several telecommunications companies have contacted the village about 5G in recent months, but only one firm, Crown Castle, submitted an application, Velkme said. Hinsdale has not reported any applications.

Village attorney Michael Jurusik told the board that municipalities around the country have filed lawsuits pushing back against 5G antennas. While he said the village was "ahead of the curve" in fighting 5G, it would be an "uphill battle" to legally challenge state and FCC regulations.

A number of residents spoke at Monday's meeting about 5G antennas. Moira Zellner, an associate professor at the University of Illinois at Chiago, said the balance of evidence shows 5G radiation is harmful.

"We are not against industry or progress, quite to the contrary," said Zellner, who specializes in urban planning. "Industry is a major source of innovation," but it "should not be at the expense of health and well-being."

Another resident, Jack Stanley, questioned whether the village president and trustees have done independent research on 5G radiation. He suggested they avoid studies paid for by telecommunications companies.

"Regarding the stakes going up around town, who is putting them up?" Stanley said. "I find it odd someone is putting up stakes around town. That needs to be addressed."

Crown Castle's proposal called for a 7-foot-long antenna extending from a 24-foot utility pole. The company said it is now considering alternative sites.