12/21/1998 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Council as BOA 12-21-98 Page 3 Dr. Parker said he does not find the signs Aladdin's are presenting to be offensive. He doubts people would miss a dealership or CVS if there were no neon signs. However, he understands how Aladdin's business relies on curb appeal. He thinks they are an asset to our community. He does not find their sign offensive. He thinks Council should deal with these requests on a case- by-case issue. Mrs. Cinco said no one finds their signs offensive. She understands you can't tell if it is open or closed. Her concern is with the neon sign period--and that we may be opening a can of worms. She asked if they have an alternative. Mr. Chamoun said they have discussed their options with the Board of Appeals. There is nothing much else that they can do. They obtained a permit for the canopy and did what they best can do. Many open signs are seen. Even if they would just have one sign to indicate they are open would be all right. Mrs. Chamoun said their customers come from many places. Mr. Chamoun said they have tried to do the best they can on the inside and outside of their restaurant. Mrs. Mills said she had a flower shop at that shopping center. She just had a sign over the door (not neon) and she had a lot of business. Spaghetti Company was there without a neon sign. Realty One was there without any signs. Mr. Chamoun said if they did not experience the hardship while the lights were off, they would not be wasting the Village's and their time to argue the point. It is critical for the business. Mrs. Mills said she believes in time people will find them. Mr. Chamoun said they may be gone by then. Council President Fixler said the Law Director just informed him that Council could grant a temporary variance. For example, if Council wanted to grant asix-month variance and take the attitude of "let's see what happens with other companies" then the variance would come up for renewal in six months. Mr. Buckholtz said he thinks that is a great compromise. Originally neon signs were like beer signs. The nature of the business and quality of the signs is completely different now. He believes Council has the ability to pick and choose. Mr. Busa, seconded by Dr. Parker, made a motion to reverse the Board of Appeals' decision and to grant permission to Aladdin's to have two neon signs for asix-month period. Following the six-month period, any continuance would be subject to re-approval by Council (and will depend on the other requests the Villages receives for neon signs.)