New Lenox may make changes to sign ordinance
By Erin Gallagher For The Herald-News August 29, 2012 8:02AM
Updated: October 6, 2012 6:04AM
NEW LENOX — It may be a sign of the times for the New Lenox Village Board. But when it came time to allow for bigger, better, brighter signs, the board is likely making a change.
When Provena Saint Joseph requested a new 10-foot-3-inch by 6-foot-6-inch illuminated sign with an electronic message center, the village staff recommended the board deny the variance. The current ordinance does not allow for such large, flashing signs.
Chief Operation Officer Amy Stevens said the Provena Healing Arts Pavilion needs a more sophisticated sign in order to advertise all the offerings at the pavilion. The facility on Route 30 near Cooper Road houses a women’s center, a spa, physicians’ offices, immediate care and diagnostic imaging.
Stevens said that the signage along Route 30 does not reflect a modern, progressive corridor.
Most of the board agreed.
Trustee David Smith said he didn’t think that kind of a sign would fit the community.
However, other members said that since it is not in a residential area, they support it. In fact, the board decided to discuss changing the ordinance altogether, as opposed to simply granting a variance.
“I still stand behind that we should not have these signs in residential areas,” said Trustee Nancy Dye.
Stevens said the sign will have half the maximum lumens. Provena is also willing to work with the village to set appropriate time frames for when the sign is flashing, and any other parameters, she said.
The board will address the ordinance in the next work session. Meanwhile, Provena will put up a temporary sign.
