Commission recommends ComEd support structure at 1901 Gulf Road for smart‑grid functions

The Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4-0 to recommend that City Council approve a special-use permit to authorize a ComEd antenna support structure at the Rolling Meadows substation at 1901 Gulf Road. The structure proposed is an 85‑foot monopole placed on an existing foundation, with two 15‑foot extensions (one a lightning rod, one an antenna). The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for first reading on Nov. 10.

Joseph Turnage, ComEd external affairs manager, introduced the project team and said the structure supports low-power, secure wireless communications that enable distribution automation and voltage optimization. Sidley Austin counsel (identified in the record by name during testimony) described the technical functions: remote sensors and mesh radios that sectionalize outages and allow faster rerouting of power, and voltage‑matching functions designed to reduce losses and improve reliability. "The idea is to use wireless technology... to control, in the background, matching the electric voltage and the even flow of voltage to the needs of the equipment that it's powering," counsel said.

Staff stated that the application meets special-use standards and recommended one explicit condition: the tower be used solely for ComEd's utility operations and not colocated commercial cellular service. Staff also noted a drafting omission in the legal description that will be corrected before final ordinance adoption. The commission's recommendation is advisory to City Council; any final approvals and required construction permits will follow council action and ComEd's internal approvals.

Vote tally: 4 yes, 0 no. The matter will be scheduled for City Council first reading on Nov. 10, 2025.