Village Board Lights the Way for Electric Message Board

A zoning variance request by the Provena Healing Arts Pavilion to install an electric message board was granted by village trustees at the regular Monday meeting.  

The request made first at an August board meeting had stirred a debate over the potential to negatively impact the character of the Route 30 commercial district. Ultimately though it worked to draw attention to the issue of whether or not the existing sign ordinance is up-to-date with current trends. The message center was the topic at the board's Sept. 15 review session, as well.  

Provena Healing Arts Pavilion was granted permission to install an electronic message center into the existing freestanding sign.

The deadline for submitting property tax rebate forms is Dec. 14.

Amy Stevens, chief operating officer for Provena, earlier explained that the sign would not be intrusive. The electric message board is meant to "convey the variety and complexity of services that will be offered on a routine basis (at the center,) or the multitude of rotating classes," she added.

Trustees used the sign in front of Village Hall as an example of a non-intrusive message board along with the text-focused sign at the United Methodist Church of New Lenox.   

Although the measure was presented as a first reading, Trustee Ray Tuminello moved that the board set aside the rules to vote on the matter immediately. The board gave its unanimous nod of approval.

The topic previously broached a variety of matters. Initially there was some concern that the electric message board would give way to the construction of signs that might be distracting to drivers on Route 30. Research showed that wasn't the case. 

Fence variance to accommodate mansion on Gougar Road

Trustees also agreed to set aside the rules to approve a fence variance on the first formal reading of the matter. The builder of a mansion-sized home in the 18100 block of S. Gougar Road received the village board approval for a variance to the fence ordinance. He plans to construct a 6-foot stone fence around the front of the property with an 18-foot-high rod iron gate. The ordinance normally limits front yard fences to three-feet tall. 

In November, board members considered the variance as a way to best accommodate the site. Trustee Nancy Dye said she had driven past the home and believed the variance would appropriately suit the home. The home is situated on a 10-acre parcel with a 7,474-square-foot single-family residence, gymnasium building and other accessory structures. A three-foot-tall fence would be out of place.

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