Petition to Stop the Construction of Cell Tower in Our Community

To:
Lake Forest City Council/ Standford Tack, M.D./ Planning Department
220 E Deerpath Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
October 10th, 2024

We, the undersigned residents of Lake Forest, are strongly opposed to the construction of a cell tower at the west lake forest train station and request that the city halt this project and reconsider the decision, based on the following concerns:

Health and Safety Risks:
One of the most pressing concerns about the installation of a cell tower in a residential area is the potential impact on public health, particularly for children, who are still in critical stages of development. Research suggests that prolonged exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from cell towers may pose significant health risks, especially to younger populations. Children are more susceptible to radiation due to their thinner skulls, developing nervous systems, and greater potential for cumulative exposure over their lifetimes. This raises serious concerns, especially given the proposed tower's proximity to homes, schools, and parks where children regularly gather.  Particularly it will be less than 1/4 mile away from both Everett Elementary and St. Mary.  

In communities where cell towers have been installed near schools, alarming trends have been observed. Studies have shown that cancer rates can increase by up to three times in areas where cell towers are placed near schools. While definitive long-term research is still ongoing, these findings should not be dismissed, and caution should be exercised, particularly when the health of children and vulnerable populations is at stake. We should be taking all necessary precautions to ensure our community remains a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

Lack of Transparency and Poor Notification:
The city has not been forthcoming with information about the cell tower. Many residents were not adequately notified about the proposed construction, and the city’s communication has been misleading. An email stated the tower would be the size of a flagpole, but in reality, the tower will occupy a substantial area.  The base of it would take up twelve parking spaces, it would need to be lit at night based on FAA regulations and have a massive brick structure built around it.  It would also be 150 feet tall when a typical flag pole is 20 feet tall.  This discrepancy undermines trust and transparency in the decision-making process.

Negative Impact on Property Values and Neighborhood Aesthetics:
A large cell tower will detract from the visual appeal of our neighborhood, potentially lowering property values. The industrial appearance of such a tower will alter the character of the area and diminish the aesthetic quality of our community.

Environmental Concerns:
The construction of the tower may lead to environmental disruption, including the loss of green space, disturbance to local wildlife habitats, and increased noise and light pollution. This is contrary to our community’s values, which emphasize the preservation of natural beauty and environmental integrity.

Misleading Information Regarding Size and Space Requirements:
Residents were initially told the tower would be the size of a flagpole, but the reality is far more intrusive, with the structure set to occupy eight parking spaces. This significant footprint was not communicated clearly, leading to understandable frustration and concern within the community.

Other Towns Have Successfully Fought Similar Towers:
It’s important to note that neighboring towns  (Kenilworth) have successfully fought and won battles to prevent cell towers from being constructed in their communities. Their victories show that there are valid alternatives, legal strategies, and community-driven actions that can help us avoid the detrimental effects of a large cell tower in our neighborhood. If these towns can protect their residents and landscapes, we too can stand up for the health, well-being, and aesthetic values of our community.

Request for Alternatives:
We urge the city to consider alternative solutions that do not require large, obtrusive towers. Technologies such as small cell installations or utilizing existing infrastructure could provide improved connectivity without the negative impacts of a large tower.

This Issue Affects the Entire Town, Not Just the 4th Ward:
While this specific cell tower is currently proposed for the 4th Ward, this is an issue that concerns the entire town. If the city amends the law to allow for this tower, it sets a dangerous precedent for similar structures to be installed in other areas. For example, the middle school currently has limited wireless service, making it a prime target for a future cell tower installation. If the city proceeds with this plan, more schoolchildren could be exposed to the potential health risks of EMR. No neighborhood will be immune to these developments once the law is amended, and wireless "dead zones" throughout the town could quickly become the next sites for cell towers.

We respectfully demand that the city prioritize the concerns of its residents, halt the construction of this cell tower, and engage in a more transparent, community-centered decision-making process.

Thank you for taking our concerns into consideration.