Western Springs Rejects Fiber Optic Plan

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — Western Springs has rejected another application that may be related to the installation of 5G equipment, the possibility of which has become controversial in Western Springs and Hinsdale. Western Springs said it found the the application from Elmhurst-based LTS Technical incomplete and deficient.

The LTS application was for fiber optic cable, but Western Springs said in its response letter Thursday that it is seeking clarification whether the application is related to 5G — which the village refers to as "small-cell wireless facilities." Residents fear that 5G antennas, the latest wave in cellphone technology, will adversely affect their health and the town's beauty.

LTS can resubmit its application, which the village said it would review for compliance with its requirements. In its letter, the village said LTS should include documentation clearly establishing permission for the construction of fiber optic cable to ComEd utility poles on village right-of-way.

Western Springs said it also wants the identity of all affiliates of the applicant and a description of the telecommunications services that will be offered. It also asked for a number of other documents, including evidence of insurance.

A map provided by the company shows that cable is planned for parts of Chestnut, Willow, 49th and 51st streets and Central, Gilbert and Grand avenues, among others.

Much of the cable is near Forest Hills Elementary School. At a Village Board meeting in January, Village President Alice Gallagher decried a letter sent to Forest Hills PTA members that she said was untrue. She did not discuss the content of the letter, but participants in the meeting later referred to stakes seen near the school. Officials said they did know what the stakes were for, but this was before the LTS Technical application.

LTS did not immediately return a message for comment on the village's rejection of the application.

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. Leaders from both villages are pushing the state to give greater local control over the placement of antennas.

In January, the village rejected a 5G antenna application from Houston-based Crown Castle, saying it was incomplete and deficient. The company said it was looking for alternative sites. Crown Castle's proposal called for a 7-foot-long antenna extending from a 24-foot utility pole.

Hinsdale, meanwhile, has not reported any 5G applications.