Village approves special use for cell tower at Kemmerling Park after lengthy public comment

The Roselle Village Board on Sept. 22, 2025, adopted an ordinance granting a special-use permit for a cell tower at 400 South Prospect Street (Kemmerling Park), voting 5 in favor and 1 opposed.

The tower proposed by Insight Inc. on behalf of Verizon Wireless is an approximately 80-foot monopine sited behind the park lot and, according to village staff, will accommodate up to three carriers. Village staff said the compound will include an 8-foot security fence and 27 screening trees; the zoning memorandum notes the proposed tower sits about 234 feet from 381 South Roselle Road and 209 feet from 405 South Roselle Road. The zoning code requires a setback equal to 110% of the tower height (an 88-foot minimum for an 80-foot tower), a standard staff says the proposal meets.

Why it mattered: dozens of residents spoke during the public-comment period and at the planning and zoning public hearing, arguing the location is too close to a school and pool, citing studies and anecdotal evidence they contend show reduced home values and potential health risks. The planning and zoning commission…