Water planned on Hoffman Estates west side

Citing the need for a more dependable water supply on Hoffman Estates' growing west side, village trustees gave preliminary approval this week for a new water tower.

The structure wouldn't be complete until the end of 2010, officials said. Its cost, around $3.8 million, would be paid for from a 2008 bond sale that's also funding for the new fire and police stations.

The tower would be built off Beacon Point Drive, next to the new fire station.

Its proposed height is 158 feet, with a 2 million-gallon tank with a 65-foot interior diameter.

The fluted-column design would include storage areas on three floors for equipment like snow plows.

The police department will also make use of the extra room. Chief Clinton Herdegen said a recent state law requires local departments to keep all evidence collected in homicide cases, rather than dispose of the evidence after the case is closed. That means his department needs more storage space.

The tower would also include a floor for cell phone companies to lease antenna space on the inside, which would be less intrusive, Village Manager James Norris said. Money from those leases would help the village recoup some of the construction costs.

Norris said the bond money had to be used on water-related measures, and this was a way to address both the water supply and the village's storage needs.

But Trustee Cary Collins voted against the measure. Collins, who's been vocal during recent meetings about spending, said he preferred a spheroid design similar to the water tower near Beverly Road and the tollway. That option costs $3.3 million, but lacks the extra storage. The poor economy means the village should save money wherever possible, Collins said.

This tower, which would be the village's eighth, would feature the village logo and be illuminated.

The board also discussed developing the land around the new fire station and water tower. A proposal that includes assisted-living senior housing wasn't received favorably by the board.

But the developer, Shoe Factory Road LLC, asserts that only 16 of the 32 acres on the site could be filled with commercial use, and has asked the board to amend its development agreement to allow for the senior housing.

Trustees, however, would prefer to see commercial uses for the land. No final decision has been made.