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Council to consider 90-foot AT&T monopole at Lockport Township High School after strong resident opposition
Summary
Council reviewed ordinance 26,020 proposing a 90-foot AT&T monopole at Lockport Township High School athletic fields; planning staff recommended conditions, residents and multiple aldermen raised concerns about visual impact, property values and safety, and council directed staff to prepare amended findings for an action vote.
Councilors and residents sharply debated a proposal from AT&T to install a 90-foot wireless communications monopole on the Lockport Township High School athletic fields at 1298 Garfield Avenue during the committee of the whole on July 16. Staff summarized planning-commission deliberations and said the developer revised an original 150-foot design down to 120 feet and that the commission recommended conditions including a 90-foot final height, an enclosed equipment shelter, composite fencing and evergreen screening.
Multiple council members said the structure would not meet Lockport's special-use standards and would harm neighborhood character. "All the feedback that I have received has been opposing this," Ald. Susie said, arguing the record did not support the permit under the city's special-use criteria and citing federal appraisal guidance on listing towers as a nuisance. Several residents echoed that view: Joan, who said she FOIAed the AT&T contract, told the council the lease gives AT&T control of the fenced 20-by-40 area and the airspace above it and urged members to inspect the park in person. Brent recommended the city consider setback standards and cited comparative setbacks of 1,000–1,500 feet elsewhere.
AT&T's representative, Derek McGrew, disputed several assertions and said the company supplied property-value studies it contends show no negative effect from towers. He also emphasized public-safety benefits, including FirstNet service for first responders and planned antennas for school-bus communications. "If it's approved and constructed, the high school is planning on putting antennas on there for their buses," McGrew said.
After extended public comment and council discussion, members indicated a majority wished to amend the draft findings of fact to record an adverse effect on neighborhood character and directed the city attorney and staff to prepare alternative language so the item can return as an action item on a future council agenda. The committee did not take a final vote on the ordinance at this meeting.
The matter will appear on the full council agenda for action; staff will return with the original and amended findings language and any conditions the council requests.
