In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a conditional use request for a new 125-foot cell tower to be installed in Lebanon Park, replacing an existing 35-foot light pole. The proposal, submitted by Fox Valley Park District and AT&T, aims to enhance cellular service in the area, which has seen complaints about dropped calls and connectivity issues.

The tower's location has raised concerns among local residents, particularly regarding its proximity to homes. The closest residences are approximately 125 feet away, across Lafayette Street. Notices about the project were sent to 140 properties within a 250-foot radius of the park, ensuring that community members were informed.

During the meeting, AT&T representatives provided a radio frequency safety survey, indicating that the maximum permissible exposure level from the tower would be just 0.0678% of federal safety limits at ground level. This figure was presented to address health and safety concerns raised by residents, with assurances that the tower would comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.

Alderman Danelle expressed the need for clarity on health and safety standards, referencing a nearby cell tower's proximity to a school and residential areas. AT&T's senior real estate and construction manager, Andrew Flowers, emphasized that the company adheres to strict federal guidelines and conducts thorough assessments before constructing new facilities.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of bilingual communication in official notices, as some residents in the predominantly Spanish-speaking neighborhood reported difficulties understanding the English-only notice regarding the tower. Alderman Buck raised this issue, prompting a commitment from staff to ensure future notices are accessible to all community members.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further address community concerns and ensure compliance with safety standards as the project moves forward.