Board approves front‑yard variation for T‑Mobile backup generator at public works site

The La Grange Park Board of Trustees voted to approve an ordinance granting a front‑yard variation for a diesel backup generator to serve a wireless communications facility located at the Village Public Works property, 937 Barnsdale Road.

Staff said the variation was requested so Concordia Wireless, authorized agent for T‑Mobile Central LLC, could place a backup generator adjacent to existing base station equipment; the lease area would be expanded by about 150 square feet toward Barnsdale. The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on Sept. 16 and recommended approval by a 6–1 vote; staff recommended approval with conditions addressing traffic/pedestrian safety, generator testing, maintenance and environmental compliance.

Trustees asked about a commissioner’s citation of a buffer standard prohibiting certain generators within 100 feet of a school. Staff and the village’s consultant reported that the cited standard is from California and that no comparable Illinois requirement or local ordinance exists; the consultant also confirmed the proposed generator would comply with applicable EPA emissions standards. The applicant told the board the generator would be tested once per week for about 10 minutes and testing could be scheduled at times approved by the village.

The board approved the ordinance granting the variation. Staff directed conditions tied to testing, maintenance and reporting to ensure operational reliability and environmental compliance.

Action: ordinance granting a front‑yard variation for 44937 Barnsdale Road (Concordia Wireless / T‑Mobile).