Homewood OKs electronic sign at village hall
BY GINGER BRASHINGER Correspondent August 29, 2012 9:52PM
Updated: October 1, 2012 5:34PM
An electronic sign will replace a manual version outside Homewood Village Hall despite some trustees’ objections about its design and potential to distract drivers.
The village board approved replacing the 10-year-old sign by a 4-to-3 vote, with Mayor Rich Hofeld casting the tiebreaker.
Village officials said the new sign allows for the posting of multiple messages, instant replacement of messages, and clearer text.
Trustee Anne Colton, who voted against the measure, said Village Hall, 2020 Chestnut Road, is a “treacherous, treacherous part of Homewood” for such a sign.
“I understand that it’s a good way of getting information out,” Colton said. “I just don’t think that’s a good location. I think adding a distraction right there with a school (St. Joseph) and everything else is just asking for trouble.”
Colton suggested the intersection of 183rd Street and Governors Highway would be a better place for an electronic sign.
“That is the world’s longest stoplight anyway,” Colton said.
Paula Wallrich, Homewood’s economic development director, said the sign should not pose any hazard because messages can remain as long as 15 minutes and would not scroll across the sign.
Trustee Jay Heiferman objected to the sign’s design and coloring, saying it “consistently looks like a Rorschach test.”
He said “any good business” would make sure its signage was “clear and legible.”
“We’re shortchanging ourselves if we go with that design,” Heiferman said.
Wallrich said an illuminated panel on the right side will read “Village of Homewood,” and the new village logo will be on the left. Both will be in white lettering on a blue background.
“I think that will be more readable,” Wallrich said.
Trustee Tom Kataras also voted against the sign, while Barbara Dawkins, Lisa Purcell and Ray Robertson approved it.
All Right Sign, of Steger, bid $21,866 for the project, for which $25,000 was budgeted.
The manual sign will be installed at the public works building, 17755 S. Ashland Ave.
