Let's rethink site of Wheeling cell tower

I am back to talk about the proposed 16-story AT&T cell tower on Horcher Farm. I realize that the permit was granted but I would like the Village Board to rethink its vote.

This issue has to do with money and who gets to make the money. Cell towers are a very lucrative piece of real estate. This tower could possibly generate a windfall for the property owner. In this case low estimates are $54,000-$100,000 annually - much higher if more than one cell company locates on the tower.

This could be a win-win for the village and residents especially with tax revenues down. But, this can only happen if the tower is located on village property such as behind the new village hall/police department. There is already railroad and light industry behind the village hall and also north of Dundee Road making this a perfect location.

This is not as obtrusive or detrimental to resident property values which statistically could be hit by as much as 10 percent. This would put the money gained form this tower where it belongs - benefiting the total village. It seems like a no-brainer to have the money go into our tax coffers so that it benefits all the residents of Wheeling.

2. Has the cell company stated why it has chosen that specific site on Horcher Farm?

3. Has it looked at other alternatives and what were they? Did they include co-locating across the street where there already is a cell tower?

4. Has AT&T submitted documentation supporting its need for a 16-story tower?

5. If we put the tower behind the village hall, the village could use the tower for its own police and emergency antenna needs.

6. Finally, let's not forget how our own Plan Committee voted on this issue - it overwhelmingly voted to deny the permit request.

I urge Judy Abruscato, Dean Argiris, Robert Heer and Dave Vogel to reconsider your original vote and give this item and the residents of Wheeling the time and discussion it needs.

Ed Little, vice president

Arlington Club Condo Association