Verizon Answers Western Springs Concerns

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — Verizon says it is not planning to apply for permits for 5G antennas anytime soon, promising to discuss such matters with the village before it does so.

In a letter last week, a lawyer for Verizon emailed the village's attorney about concerns that the telecom was planning to put up controversial antennas during the pandemic. The village maintains the company promised not to do so in March.

The Verizon lawyer addressed that matter in the letter.

"In late March, I sent you a letter confirming Verizon would seek to work with the village before filing small cell permit applications in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the constraints it placed on local governments," Verizon attorney Angie Frye wrote. "Verizon has not submitted any small cell applications since that time, nor does it have any immediate plans to do so."

The company said while it has yet to file for permits, it continues to plan deployments of its technology. That means regulatory filings and other action that must be completed well in advance of siting antennas as a condition of FCC licensure, it said.

Verizon is considering antennas at 4048 Western Ave. and 5100 Woodland Ave., though it has yet to submit applications. At a recent village meeting, residents near the 4048 Western site said they were opposed. Across town, residents have contended 5G antennas would hurt their health and the town's appearance.

In a letter to the community late last month, Village President Alice Gallagher said the village has the power to regulate placement of antennas based on aesthetic considerations, but cannot take into account health and property values in its decisions.

"The board and staff are as frustrated by this usurpation of authority as are the residents who voiced their concerns on the matter during last night's board meeting, and are doing all we legally can to regain some of that authority," Gallagher said.

She noted state Rep. Deanne Mazzochi, R-Elmhurst, is pushing state legislation to give towns more powers on 5G antennas.