Vote: Where Should the Village Allow Electronic Message Boards?

The wants to install an electronic sign at Vine Street and Old Hickory Road, but village rules could keep it from happening.

On Tuesday, the village's Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4-1 to recommend the VFW not receive a necessary variance to install the sign. The Village Board will still have the final say at its March 26 meeting.

Bill Walter, a member of the VFW, spoke to the Zoning Board and said there's a need to display advertisements for the VFW's bingo nights and fish frys, as well as other events.

"We've served the community in many ways," Walter said. "We think we should have the same variance churches receive."

Should the village amend its rules for electronic message board? VOTE in the poll below.

The village originally allowed electronic signs for defined public uses — government, schools and more — such as the one at . Churches were later added to that group.

The village also requires that electronic signs must only be on major roads and cannot be within 250 feet of a residential area. That's why, for example, the may have its sign on Route 30 but not the south end of the property at Haven Avenue.

Village planner Jeff Smith said the VFW proposal would go against both of those restrictions because Vine Street isn't a major road, and there are homes directly across the street of the VFW.

"Looking at a strict interpretation, this doesn't fit the village's requirements," he said. "There's concern a precedent would be set for other non-profit requests or even commercial."

The VFW already has a permit for a non-electronic sign that could be installed at the same corner but prefers an electronic message board for convenience and visibility. The post already has a sign at Route 30 and Vine Street, but it's not electronic and it's located on Metra's property, so the post doesn't have any control over the sign's fate.

"That's a shame," Walter said. "We've been here and done everything for this town, and all we want is a lousy sign."

The Zoning Board members all admitted they weren't happy recommending against the request, but wanted to stick to the village's restrictions.

"What happens is we end up with accusations of favoritism," said commissioner Annette Boyd, the only dissenting vote. "I don't like our rules."