BROOKFIELD - Residents expressed concern about a proposed 130-foot monopole during Monday night’s Plan Commission meeting, while Verizon Wireless representatives maintained that the equipment is needed for better cell service.

The commission did not take any action, but tabled the item. It will likely be on the commission's June 10 agenda.

Verizon Wireless is requesting approval of a conditional use for the purpose of permitting a two-carrier, 130-foot monopole (expandable to 150 feet) for four wireless telecommunication providers and an equipment building at 19295 W. North Ave. According to city documents, in the beginning there would be a small accessory building located on the south side of the site, which is the area with the greatest separation from existing homes when considering underground utilities and other factors. The building would have a field stone exterior. The base of the monopole may be screened with an 8-foot tall wood fence, according to the documents.

Community Development Director Dan Ertl said a lengthy public hearing was held Monday. He said Verizon made its case that the North Avenue site is the only site that will meet their needs. Per city policy, cell towers are supposed to be on city-owned sites, not private sites, Ertl said.

Ertl said Verizon argued that the North Avenue site “closes a significant gap in coverage.” Company representatives also used maps to show what their cell phone signal coverage is like today and how it would be improved with the proposed monopole.

Area residents also spoke for about 45 minutes, Ertl said, with some expressing concern about public safety and that the city is not forcing Verizon to consider other options, such as the Department of Public Works’ property on Brookfield and River roads. Safety concerns included lightning strikes, ice falling off the equipment, the pole falling down and the general proximity of the pole and the equipment buildings to the residents’ backyards.

The commission approved dividing land at Sendik’s Towne Centre for apartment buildings, which may be built by the Mandel Group, Ertl said.

Phillips Edison and Company, which owns the property, sought approval of an amendment to the development agreement for the Towne Centre and approval of a certified survey map to create lot two at the northeast corner of Thomson Drive and Richland Parkway.