Commission recommends approval for rooftop Verizon antennas at Cook County courthouse

The Rolling Meadows Planning & Zoning Commission on Sept. 2 recommended that the City Council approve a special‑use permit to allow building‑mounted wireless antennas and associated mechanical equipment on the courthouse at 2121 Euclid Avenue.

Christina Wilburn, representing Crown Castle as agent for Verizon, told commissioners that "Verizon is interested in increasing broadband coverage for the customers in Rolling Meadows and surrounding community," and that an agreement with Cook County would permit rooftop mounting rather than construction of a free‑standing tower. Wilburn said the rooftop antennas would use concealment shrouds and that the accompanying ground equipment would be screened by a concrete wall and painted to match the building to minimize visual impact.

Commissioners pressed the petitioner on technical details including the number and height of antennas and whether any ground cabinets would be left at grade. Wilburn said the equipment would be roof‑mounted and concealed and that the cabinets would be sited on a southeast portion of the roof. Staff advised the commission that the development packet included required notices and that submitted plans show screening the equipment.

Members of the public asked about maintenance access and potential radio‑frequency (RF) exposure. John Lynch, a nearby resident, asked about RF radiation and proximity to houses; staff and the petitioner said they submitted and reviewed an RF/energy report and that Cook County consented to the installation. After public testimony the commission closed the hearing and voted 7–0 to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Council for final action.