Consultant recommends approving new Verizon cell tower in Geneva

Proposed project intended to close coverage gaps along Randall Road

Author

Sam Kraft
May 14, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

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Municipal Services Associates, Inc. (MSA), a consulting firm hired by the City of Geneva, has issued a report that recommends allowing Dolan Realty Advisors (DRA) and Verizon Wireless to construct a new 85-foot "stealth" cell tower and associated equipment at 1749 South Randall Road.

Key points from the report:

  • The new cell site would improve coverage for homes and businesses along Randall Road.

  • Verizon's signal maps show existing substandard coverage northwest and southeast of the proposed site.

  • The new antenna array and tower will act as a "gap filler" by boosting weak signal areas.

  • The extra bandwidth capacity would help meet growing demand, especially for mobile users traveling on Randall Road and surrounding streets.

Geneva City Council already denied a similar project request from TowerNorth Development LLC.

While a balloon test was conducted on April 18 to demonstrate that the proposed tower wouldn’t be overly obstructive, some Eagle Brook residents posted signs opposing the project.

Among the consultant’s recommendations:

  • The City of Geneva should allow DRA and Verizon Wireless to proceed with construction of the tower, antennas, radios, base station and generator as a Special Use.

  • Require DRA and Verizon to submit engineered tower foundation plans as a condition of receiving building permits.

  • Conduct a post-construction structural analysis of the tower with antennas installed.

  • Request emissions data from the generator manufacturer to confirm EPA standards are met.

  • Require regular monthly testing of the generator.

Next steps: The Geneva Planning & Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing about the project at 7PM on Thursday, May 23 at City Hall.

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