As of 3/26/26, the City of Freeport shared this notice: the Townhall Public Meeting hosted by JCWifi Staff on Monday, March 30th, 2026 at 6:00pm has been cancelled.

The Petitioners, JCWifi, have withdrawn their Variance Application submitted to the City of Freeport seeking relief from Section 1450.02(I) to allow a ground-mounted antenna to exceed the maximum height of thirty feet, up to a proposed height of one hundred fifty feet, at 3240 W. Stephenson St., Freeport, IL 61032. The Petitioners will no longer be pursuing the installation of a tower at this location at this time.

Click here for the link to the notice.

Freeport Residents: A 150-foot WiFi communication tower is planned by Computer Dynamics/JCWIFI, approved by the Freeport Park District Board, near the Doug Firebaugh Observatory and the golf course on Stephenson Street in Freeport, Illinois, in an agricultural zone where city rules limit towers to 30 feet. Many residents believe this project does not follow the law of Freeport’s zoning protections. This area is home to wildlife, prairie habitat, nearby families, and one of our city’s most unique educational spaces. A structure this large could change the landscape, disrupt the observatory’s clear sky views, and alter the peaceful environment neighbors value every day. We are not against progress — but development should respect existing laws, community spaces, and the natural beauty that makes Freeport special.

By signing, you are asking the City of Freeport / Zoning Board of Appeals to:

1. Enforce its zoning ordinance
 2. Protect our ag-zoned natural areas
 3. Put community values and voices first by having Computer Dynamics/JCWIFI find a different location for the proposed tower

Aiming for > 1200 signatures of Freeport residents / taxpayers and others! Add your name and help keep Freeport’s skies, neighborhoods, and natural spaces protected.

UPDATE:

UPDATE: PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING NOTICE: JCWIFI will host a Townhall Public Meeting on Monday, March 30, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall to discuss a proposed variance from Section 1450.02(I) of the City’s Codified Ordinances to allow a ground-mounted antenna tower exceeding the maximum permitted height of thirty (30) feet at 3240 W. Stephenson St. Rd. (PIN: 18-13-35-101-001). This meeting will occur three days prior to the public hearing scheduled during the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on April 2, 2026, at 5:30 PM. Individuals who would like to learn more, ask questions, and/or express their concerns are invited and encouraged to attend.

A public hearing has been RESCHEDULED to April 2, 2026 at 5:30 pm at City Hall, 314 W. Stephenson Street, Freeport, IL.   If you live in Freeport — or know someone who does — please share this so neighbors have the chance to be part of the conversation.

Additional Information:

Environmental & Wildlife Considerations  The proposed area is home to native prairie and wildlife consisting of paths and homes for deer, hawks, owls, eagles, birds, rabbits, turkey, coyote, and others. 1. Scientific reviews report that radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from wireless infrastructure may affect plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife at ecosystem levels. (Levitt et al., Frontiers in Public Health review)
 2. Research published in environmental science journals notes that RF-EMFs have the potential to alter animal behavior, reduce bat feeding activity, and cause biological effects in insects and plants. (ACS Environmental Science & Technology Letters)
 3. Some studies suggest electromagnetic radiation may contribute to habitat disruption, bird disorientation, and long-term ecological changes in areas where towers are installed. (Frontiers in Public Health wildlife research) Why this matters: Natural prairie or conservation areas may contain species that are sensitive to environmental changes.  

Property Values and Neighborhood Impact

Freeport, IL property values are generally on an upward trend, with average home values around $118,308 to $158,133 as of early 2026, reflecting significant year-over-year appreciation (8.2%–25.45%). 
1. Research summarized by the National Association of Realtors reports property value impacts ranging roughly from 2.65% to 7.6% depending on proximity and visibility of towers. (National Association of Realtors)
 2. Some real-estate analyses found homes near visible towers decreased in value by about 2–9% on average, up to 20%, especially within close distance. Surveys show 94% of buyers say they would pay less or avoid such properties.  (https://ehsciences.org/cell-towers-drop-property-value/

Why this matters: Even perceived visual changes can influence buyer demand and neighborhood character.  

Observatories, Technology, and Sky Access 


1.Wireless communication signals can create radio-frequency interference that may affect sensitive scientific equipment or astronomy observations, especially near observatory locations. (European Parliament, Environmental wireless research and astronomy discussions study.) Why this matters: Educational observatories rely on clear environmental conditions and minimal technological interference.   Thank you for sharing your voice!  

*The views and opinions expressed in this petition are those of the signers, interpreted and based on publicly available information, and does not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of an organization. This petition is for awareness purposes only and does not create a legally binding contract or obligation.