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Greendale board declines to call Verizon antenna work a "substantial modification," then approves co‑location change
Summary
Trustees, citing state law limits on local control, voted not to deem the proposed antenna additions a "substantial modification" and then approved a temporary-use modification to a previously granted special‑use permit for a wireless facility at 6101 South 51st Street.
The Village of Greendale board voted to decline a determination that proposed antenna additions at 6101 South 51st Street constituted a "substantial modification" under state law and then approved a temporary‑use modification to the property’s special‑use permit.
Village Attorney Luke Martel told the board the applicable state statute (recorded in the meeting as "66 0 4 0 4") limits local authority over cell‑tower changes. "In order to qualify for that, a tower of less than 200 feet has to increase by 20 feet or more [in height]," Martel said, and added that width or base equipment‑area increases likewise must meet statutory thresholds ("the total equipment area…has to increase by 2,500 square feet"). He concluded the proposal before the board did not meet those criteria and therefore could not lawfully be deemed a substantial modification.
Trustee Elaine argued the proposal should be treated as a major modification because it adds nine antennas and said she wanted a public hearing "so they have the opportunity to come and speak their mind." Several other trustees and staff said the item had been placed on the agenda and that notice to residents could be provided in Village Views even if the board lacked authority to block the change.
After discussion, the board held a roll call on the motion to find a substantial alteration and—following the attorney's advice—voted not to make that finding. The board then considered a separate motion to approve the temporary‑use request to modify a previously approved special‑use permit (personal number 69499986). That motion was seconded and approved by roll call; the record shows Ayes from Trustees Barbian, McFaul, Ollette and President Zabrowski and No votes from Trustees Unger and Beckmeyer.
The board recorded that the decision to approve the modification was made in light of the statutory limits explained by the village attorney. Staff and trustees thanked the attorney for staying on the line during the item. The board did not schedule further local action on the co‑location decision beyond standard permit-processing steps.
