Freeport Park District cancels Wi-Fi tower project after public backlash

Neighbors and an attorney raised concerns over the rushed approval process and lack of public input.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:21am

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The Freeport Park District has canceled a deal with local internet provider JC Wifi to install a 150-foot Wi-Fi tower on park land near a residential neighborhood. The agreement was approved by the park board in just 5 minutes with little public input, raising concerns from neighbors and a local attorney about the rushed process and lack of transparency. After WIFR started investigating the deal, JC Wifi withdrew its variance application with the city and asked to rescind the lease contract with the park district.

Why it matters

The proposed Wi-Fi tower project highlighted concerns about the park district's decision-making process and its commitment to preserving public green spaces for the community. Residents felt the district failed to properly engage the public and consider the impact on nearby homeowners who valued the natural views. The case also raised questions about the park district's policies around approving contracts and leases.

The details

In October 2025, JC Wifi presented a proposal to the park board to install a 150-foot, three-legged cell tower on park land near the Park Hills Golf Course. The board approved a 5-year, $4,800 annual lease agreement in just 5 minutes of discussion at the November 2025 meeting, with one commissioner predicting "we're going to probably get some feedback from the neighbors." A local attorney reviewed the agreement and found it heavily favored the internet provider, with no provisions to protect the public interest. The approval process also appeared to violate the park district's own policies, as the executive director signed the contract instead of the board president.

  • On October 21, 2025, JC Wifi presented the tower proposal to the Freeport Park District board.
  • On November 18, 2025, the park board approved the 5-year lease agreement with JC Wifi.
  • In March 2026, after WIFR started investigating the deal, JC Wifi withdrew its variance application with the city and asked to rescind the lease contract.

The players

Elizabeth Priller

A Freeport resident who lives near the proposed tower location and was dismayed by the project, hoping to spend her final years enjoying the view from her home.

Eric Borneman

An attorney with Hinshaw & Culbertson who previously served on the Freeport City Council and reviewed the park district's agreement, finding it heavily favored the internet provider with no protections for the public.

Freeport Park District

The local government agency responsible for managing and preserving public parks and green spaces in Freeport.

JC Wifi

The local internet provider that proposed installing a 150-foot Wi-Fi tower on park district land.

Bruce Cubberley

The executive director of the Freeport Park District who signed the lease agreement with JC Wifi, despite the park district's policies stating only the board president can execute contracts.

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What they’re saying

“What was done was the absolute bare minimum under the Open Meetings Act.”

— Eric Borneman, Attorney

“It's all just kind of shocking that this was taken to the board for approval.”

— Eric Borneman, Attorney

“Transparency is everything. If I were to come a year in advance, this is what I want to do, let's talk about it. And then, everybody can get what they want.”

— Jarrett Priller, Resident

What’s next

The Freeport Park District is reviewing its options and obligations related to the canceled Wi-Fi tower project, and it remains unclear if JC Wifi will pursue the project at a different location.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of public transparency and engagement in local government decision-making, especially when it comes to projects that could impact the community's shared green spaces and natural resources. The rushed approval process and lack of public input raised concerns about the park district's commitment to its mission of preserving land for the benefit of current and future generations.