Property Value Concerns In Western Springs

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — In opposing 5G antennas, Western Springs residents have contended they would affect their health and the town's appearance.

This week, a number of residents in one section of town said they also worried that a proposed antenna would diminish their property values. They said the expansion of Interstate 294 is already having that effect.

Through a contractor, Verizon is considering antennas at 4048 Western Ave. and 5100 Woodland Ave., though it has yet to submit an application.

At Monday's Village Board meeting, a number of residents spoke about Verizon's plans during the board's virtual meeting. They were from the Old Town neighborhood, near the proposed antenna at 4048 Western, in the village's northwest corner.

"We are getting hammered in this area of Western Springs and Old Town because of the expressway and the lack of a wall and the noise and now you add this," resident Jacqueline McBridge said. "Is there compensation they will be handing over to our area? When we moved here, this wasn't something we could have foreseen."

Another resident, Ryan DeProsperis, who lives a couple doors down from the proposed Western site, also noted the freeway expansion.

"I think we can admit we have property value issues as it is, so to have another issue to contend with on our property values is not something we would want to explore," DeProsperis said.

Village President Alice Gallagher said Verizon is seeking information on the possible historical impacts of the proposed antennas.

"Certainly, there will be negotiations as we go along," she said.

A number of residents praised Western Springs for being open with its communications with Verizon and other telecoms. The village posts such developments on a special section of its website.

In response to Verizon's proposal, Western Springs said the telecom had promised to hold off on turning in applications during the pandemic. It asked the company to honor that pledge.

A representative of the Verizon contractor couldn't be reached for immediate comment.