Like it or not, Glen Ellyn OKs new cell antenna

Glen Ellyn leaders have approved plans for another cellular antenna to be attached to the village's water tower, despite opposition from hundreds of residents.

By a 4-2 vote, village board members gave T-Mobile USA permission to put the 7.5-foot antenna on top of the 125-foot water tower along Cottage Avenue.

DuComm, AT&T and Verizon already have devices on the tower.

Still, more than 200 residents signed a petition opposing T-Mobile's plan.

The residents say the antenna will be a health and safety hazard and cause property values to drop. They also claim village law allows only a "minimum" amount of antennas on the water tower.

"The neighborhood is tired of providing service for the entire community," resident Barbara Reber said Tuesday. "If (everyone) wants cell phones, they should all participate in providing cell towers."

T-Mobile, which has 3,100 subscribers in Glen Ellyn, requested the antenna because of the lack of coverage in the village's downtown.

As part of a 25-year deal with the village, T-Mobile will pay Glen Ellyn $20,000 to use the water tower for the first year. That amount will increase by 4 percent every subsequent year.

Trustee Ladesic conceded that the antenna would be a good source of revenue and upgrade coverage. Still, he voted against the plan with Trustee Michelle Thorsell.

"We were elected to represent the voices of the residents," Ladesic said. "We can't represent them in every issue, but if there are other options we should honor our residents."

Trustees Jim Comerford, Tim Armstrong and Sarah Lee and President Vicky Hase were in favor of the antenna.

Trustee Peter Norton declined to vote because he lives in the area.

Comerford said the antenna comes with changes in technology.

Just like fire hydrants and utility poles now are accepted by people because of their benefits, he said antennas would follow the same path.

"I think this is something that we're going to approve over time," he said.

Hase said the tower is a superior site for the best coverage and reliable cellular service, is a must.

"I think this weekend showed that cellular service is needed," she said, referring to people losing reception during last week's storm.