Cell tower debated in Maple Park

The village of Maple Park is considering construction of a cell phone tower behind its Civic Center, but some residents are opposed to the idea.

If approved by trustees, the 185-foot tower would be erected south of the the center at 302 Willow Street, just feet from a playground and baseball diamonds, and surrounded by a fence.

Village Trustee Pat Lunardon said U.S. Cellular first pitched the idea late last year, but it's still too early to tell whether it will go anywhere.

"There's no saying we're going to do it or not," she said Friday. "We're in the early stages."

Lunardon, who is acting as Maple Park's liaison on the project, said the proposed tower would generate $9,600 a year in new revenue for its first five years. For every five-year period beyond that, she said, the amount would increase 15 percent.

"Almost 10 grand is a nice piece of change," she said, noting the Civic Center roof is in need of serious repairs.

P.J. Hardy, one of several residents opposed to the tower, said he agrees the village could use the extra income - but not necessarily at the expense of erecting a large tower in the middle of the community.

Hardy said about a dozen neighbors, parents and other villagers have concerns the tower could pose a safety risk because of its proximity to areas frequented by children and hurt property values.

They also worry the village is going to rush a decision, he said.

"We're all for the village making money. We applaud them for doing that part of what they were elected to do," Hardy said of the village board. "But I think there's a lot of issues they're not taking into account."

Lunardon said other locations were considered, but the Civic Center appears best suited for U.S. Cellular's needs. Trustees plan to discuss the issue when they meet May 4. Lunardon said the board would solicit feedback from the public before making a final decision.