MAC to look at cellular antenna proposed for church site





By Lori Porter
Acorn Staff Writer

At a recent Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) meeting, Doug Kearney, a planning specialist with SBA Network Services, proposed a plan to install an antenna for Cingular Wireless at Church of the Epiphany on the corner of Churchwood and Kanan Road.


It’s the best option in Oak Park, he said, because it’s the highest point in the area.


Kearney explained to MAC members that the plan involves constructing a faux chimney on the church which will house the device. "We have designed this to look as if it is part of the church," said Kearney.


Boardmember Todd Haines said he was concerned about the height of the chimney which will exceed the height of the church––a peak that was controversial when the church was built. "I’m uncomfortable with moving forward on this. I think the neighbors should be notified so they will know what it is going to look like," Haines said.


A problem in Oak Park and adjacent areas is the rugged terrain or "dead zones" in which cellular phones lose their signals. Deputies at the MAC meeting said they also lose reception because of dead zones.


Cell telephone signals go straight like a flashlight beam; if a signal is placed at a location that’s too low, it’s blocked. With an antenna at the highest point in Oak Park, customers will get better service.


"We have had numerous complaints about calls being dropped and a lack of good reception in Oak Park," said Lauren Garner of Cingular Wireless. Oak Park residents want better service from her company, she said.


The item was put on the July 22 agenda. It was delayed until July instead of June because (1) MAC member Ron Stark wanted Cingular to research possible placement of the device on a new water tower (replacing an older one). (2) The delay also enables notification of residents.


The church or water company will get a $1,000 per month fee from Cingular.



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