Western Springs residents again expressed concerns with the possibility of 5G technology coming to the village and criticized officials for a lack of transparency during a village board meeting Monday that attracted a standing-room-only crowd.
Officials also tried to quell the controversy and indicated they would keep residents informed as they study the effects of 5G technology.
Village President Alice Gallagher began the meeting by stating how false rumors have been going around regarding 5G small cell antennas coming to Western Springs, noting the village has received only one application to date and it was rejected for having incomplete information.
A crowd of residents raised health concerns over the technology during a community meeting in December after many residents said they had questions about a state law established in 2018 that enables providers to deploy equipment for 5G technology in local communities. Residents in neighboring Hinsdale also have raised similar concerns.
During the Jan. 13 board meeting, Village Attorney Michael Jurusik said his firm has been monitoring the situation with 5G installations and is aware of a handful of lawsuits that other states and municipalities have filed to keep the technology out of their community.
“The technology companies invest a significant amount of money in lobbying for regulations and we have very little regulatory control,” Jurusik added.
A number of residents also addressed board members, raising issue with stakes that have popped up throughout the village and questioning the transparency of local officials.
“There are poles and stakes being put up in our community and the village is telling us they don’t know who they belong to,” said resident Beth Walsh. “How can you not know?”
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Martin Scott, director of community development for Western Springs, clarified that the poles belong to ComEd, but reiterated that officials do not know all the companies that may be putting up stakes in the village.
Public Works Director Matthew Supert said officials are aware of stakes with white paint or flags involving the nonprofit Julie, which checks underground utility lines to ensure safe digging, but added they don’t know, yet, the companies who may be requesting Julie’s services. Within 30 days of placement, officials should have more information, he said.
“Julie notifications means it is a safe place to dig. The firms will usually locate before making applications. We haven’t received any Julie notifications or applications. Some utilities have easements to mark on private property,” Supert said.
Several residents have said they have seen Verizon trucks putting down the stakes in Western Springs. During the recent meeting, resident Jack Stanley also urged village officials to be more proactive.
“There are stakes being put down on Western Springs properties right now,” he said. “We are asking the board to hire a lobbyist to fight this technology.”
Resident James Holderman said residents also have a right to know what’s happening on their private property.
“I have a ComEd pole in my backyard and I will not allow the cell companies to install their equipment there,” Holderman said. “I encourage other residents to take the same stand.”
Jurusik said communities in Illinois who don’t want 5G technology don’t have much local control over the issue. He said officials will post any additional permits requested for 5G small cell antennas and will continue to be transparent.
“It is an uphill battle to fight the state and the legislation,” Jurusik said. “The best way to fight this is for citizens to contact their local legislators.”
Western Springs officials said they also plan to create a task force to study the effect of 5G technology in the village and will look at hiring a lobbyist or joining with a lobbyist in a neighboring community.
Diane Dachota is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.