Western Springs Clashes With 5G Firm

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – A company that wants to install a 5G antenna on a utility pole in Western Springs is challenging the village's powers to regulate it.

For the last few years, residents have expressed concern over such antennas. They say the equipment would hurt their health and the town's appearance.

Village officials say they have lobbied the state government, which they said ultimately gave towns more power to regulate the antennas.

Last month, Houston-based Crown Castle submitted an application for a 5G wireless antenna on a utility pole at the southeast corner of Lawn Avenue and 53rd Street.

Crown Castle erects such antennas for nationally known wireless providers such as Verizon.

In its application, the company repeatedly contends that the village's requirements exceed its powers under state law.

In a letter last week, Western Springs rejected the application as incomplete and deficient.

"Crown Castle's statement suggests that it can 'pick and choose' those requirements that it believes are in conflict with state or federal law," Matthew Supert, the village's municipal services director, said in the letter. "The Village asserts that its requirements do comply with state and federal law."

For instance, Supert said, Crown Castle did not include information on whether the owner of the utility pole gave the company the right to place an antenna.

The company said the village had no power to seek that information.

Crown Castle also objected to the village's request to name the wireless service provider that the company was working for. The firm declined to give the information.

The village argued Crown Castle's proposal would not lessen the antenna's visual impact, saying it would not blend in.

But the company contended any design standards that do not apply to other "occupiers" are barred by the state Small Wireless Facilities Act.

The village has said it holds the power to regulate the placement of antennas based on aesthetic considerations, but cannot take into account health and property values in its decisions.

In a statement to Patch on Monday, Crown Castle said it was reviewing the village's response and would continue to look for ways to work with local officials under the law.

"Crown Castle aims to bring connectivity solutions to every community in which we operate," the company said. "Our proposed small cell network across the villages of Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, and Western Springs will provide more coverage and capacity, which means more reliable cell phone coverage, faster downloads, and better connectivity."