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Board approves amendment allowing T‑Mobile to expand ground lease at LaGrange Park water tower for backup generator
Summary
Trustees unanimously approved a first amendment to an existing tower lease allowing T‑Mobile to add a 150‑square‑foot concrete pad and backup generator at the village water tower; rent will increase to 1.5 times base rent once construction begins and zoning approval is required.
The Village of LaGrange Park Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve a first amendment to the village’s 2004 tower lease with T‑Mobile Central LLC that will expand the company’s ground‑level lease area at the municipal water tower to accommodate a backup generator and related equipment.
Staff presented that T‑Mobile currently holds antenna rights on the tank and a 300‑square‑foot ground area at 8937 Barnsdale Road. Under the proposed amendment the ground lease would expand by 150 square feet to 450 square feet to accommodate a new concrete pad for a backup generator, a decorative fence and perimeter landscaping. The amendment also modifies paragraph 4 of the lease to increase rent to one‑and‑one‑half times the then‑current base rent once construction begins and establishes notice requirements for entry.
Village staff said T‑Mobile has filed a zoning application for the generator location. Trustee questions focused on appearance, public safety and whether the generator would obstruct access. Rick (public works/staff) described the proposed pad as sited outside of the tank perimeter near existing T‑Mobile equipment and said fencing and landscaping would “hide” the generator. Trustee Wagner asked about rent history and whether current rates were comparable to neighboring communities; staff said they reviewed industry benchmarks with communications consultant Stu Chapman and believed the amended rate was fair and included annual escalators.
Trustee counsel and other trustees noted the public‑safety benefit of having a permanent generator on site, citing the dependency of 9‑1‑1 and other services on cellular service. The board approved a motion to authorize the village president to sign the first amendment and related documents. The vote was unanimous by roll call.
The amendment is conditioned on T‑Mobile obtaining the necessary zoning relief; staff will finalize documents and return with any required permits or administrative steps.
