Laserfiche WebLink
, <br /> bound on the west by the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad with Wildwood Park being located to the <br /> west thereof. <br /> Recognizing the land use and zoning patterns as noted, staff is of the opinion that the proposed <br /> construction is reasonable and logical at this site. The tower would be located at the southwest <br /> corner of this one acre tract, and a twenry-five foot by forty-five foot area around the base would <br /> be fenced with a ten foot high chain link fence. Also, the developer has agreed to provide <br /> screening trees along the east and west side of the fenced area. There would be sufficient open <br /> space around the site that in the event of a fall, the tower would not hit any existing structures. <br /> Further, if the proposed tower would fall to the north of east, it would be on the owner's property <br /> or the existing right-of-way for Timari Court. A fall to the west or south would be across vacant <br /> land owned by the Decatur Park District or Illinois and/or Illinois Central Gulf Railroad. <br /> In view of the above data, staff recommends approval of the petition with the stipulation that the <br /> proposed development be in accordance with petitioner's site plan submitted with this request, <br /> and that prior to construction complete building and construction plans be submitted to and <br /> approved by the Department of Community Development and Department of Public Works, and <br /> that a building permit be obtained. <br /> Mr. Shampine expressed concern with the ladder leading to the top of the tower, especially in a <br /> residential setting. He stated that every precaution should be taken with the safety issues <br /> involved. Mr. Clevenger stated that he shared Mr. Shampine's concerns and that he is very <br /> concerned regarding any children in the area who might access the tower. <br /> Mr. Jungles stated that the building is very secure where the rungs would be stored and the <br /> company has absolutely no problem with removing the bottom 20 feet of rungs or all of the <br /> rungs. He stated that there an anti-climb device can also be placed on the tower but it is better to <br /> removed the rungs. <br /> Mr. Demirjian questioned how the communications pole can be the best use in a residential <br /> neighborhood. Mr. McQueen stated that the Plan Commission is charged with making a <br /> recommendation regarding acceptable use of the property and to determine whether or not the <br /> use would be an obvious detriment to the area. Mr. McQueen stated that it may be that the best <br /> use of the land would be single family homes or duplexes. He noted that it has been in its <br /> present form for 20 years. Two lots nearby have been developed with a residential care facility. <br /> The proposed use is not easy to locate and a Special Use Permit will allow guarded review. The <br /> location is unique as it is located at the end of a cul-de-sac. Mr. McQueen noted that should the <br /> tower fall to the north it would be on CellularOne property and if it would fall the other way it <br /> would still be on vacant ground. <br /> Mr. Demirjian questioned if the tower would devalue the area. Mr. McQueen stated that <br /> determination would be up to an appraiser. The issue before the commission is one of land use <br /> only. Mr. McQueen had talked with a couple of the area residents and no one was present to <br /> object. Calls were received inquiring about the petition but there were no objections stated. <br />