[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6545609,"mediaKeyId","3533920-222470a23d92f726a0a2bd684e619993","parentId",3533920,"title","Northbrook trustees say First Amendment limits removal of public‑forum display as residents clash over blue triangle symbol","audioSeconds",9419,"startMs",269000,"endMs",9688000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3533920-222470a23d92f726a0a2bd684e619993&start=269&end=9688","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3533920-222470a23d92f726a0a2bd684e619993/thumbnail_269000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6545609/Northbrook/Cook-County/Illinois/Northbrook-trustees-say-First-Amendment-limits-removal-of-publicforum-display-as-residents-clash-over-blue-triangle-symbol","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545609-69cc36482fe299fd74d8349643999a9c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145370&Signature=GJ3gNL6RPQUvD90ZY6j~KnCO7f6Ral3DzHo5AU~Wmx4UOXUL2lrg5LFt2bYBrtOGmJPCMIUUeyP2xEs9Cg8vb6ZSLHGy70cCd4vBR4Dn0QPLYBoDpVhDQ~CZ33Gveuz~~dNj3wuQlg8LYwAtaHkghkzdcHNIO-V2qcxtMXCrPS8skp17gcGENJEhPODGmTvsiYnsgSitVYVAiyMYGA-dSOl6fnplvgOG7nbkqwnLjh7fYWUkfS2uSTuvvPFiKUHrQV4JO2EhApYXBGwUIdLRHr0QngOf2PgDaLCJrSSWFTg6T0gsQWv~H7IdMfsC-v2htCUFZgndO9yge40gglBGjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Northbrook","date","2025-05-27T19:27:00Z","article","President Kathleen Ciesla and the village attorney told residents at the Village of Northbrook trustees meeting that the village lacks legal authority to prohibit or remove a privately posted display in the Shermer Walters public forum, after weeks of local controversy over a sign that uses an inverted blue triangle and messages in support of migrants.

Ciesla said the village has preserved the space as a designated public forum for “over half a century” and that displays there are protected by the First Amendment. Village Attorney Greg Smith told the trustees and the audience that, under U.S. Supreme Court precedents, the village may apply “reasonable time, place and manner” restrictions but may not deny or remove a display because of its content. He said the village may only refuse a display if it violates the forum’s physical safety rules.

The question has prompted sustained public comment. Dozens of residents, clergy and local leaders spoke during the meeting’s public‑comment period, offering sharply divided views. Supporters of the display said it raises attention to migrant treatment and invokes a reclaimed symbol of solidarity; critics said the display appropriates Holocaust imagery in ways that cause real trauma to Jewish residents and degrades local safety and civic reputation.

Supporters said the corner of Skokie Boulevard where the sign sits is an established place for free expression and that removing or condemning the sign would amount to censorship. At least one supporter and Jewish resident, Daniel Schock, told trustees he opposed removal and called the calls for removal “censorship.” Lee Goodman, who identified himself as the creator of the display, described the symbol’s history as used by the Nazis to mark migrants and said contemporary migrant advocates have re‑adopted an inverted blue triangle as a sign of solidarity.

Many Jewish residents and community leaders urged the board to take steps beyond reiterating legal limits. Several speakers described emotional distress at the sight of concentration‑camp style striped clothing and the triangle, said the symbol specifically recalls victims who were dehumanized during the Holocaust, and asked trustees to condemn the display or pursue any legal means available. Rabbi David Chapman asked for higher‑level community dialogue and said he feared the display would alienate allies and retraumatize survivors. Other speakers described vandalism of the sign and social‑media arguments that have followed its installation.

Trustees repeatedly emphasized that their legal obligations are limited. Ciesla said the board “unequivocally condemns antisemitism” and urged residents to support Jewish neighbors; Smith reiterated that a permanent disclaimer sign already on the property states the village does not sponsor or endorse materials posted in the forum. The board did not take formal action to remove the sign during the meeting and did not vote on any ordinance or policy change.

Several speakers asked the board to reconsider maintaining a permanent public forum on village property. Trustees said the question could be considered later, but cautioned that changing a designated forum raises legal issues and possibly litigation costs. Ciesla said the board would record residents’ comments and “let it sink in” before pursuing any next steps.

The discussion prompted strong reactions across the village. Some residents called the display a necessary provocation to draw attention to migrant policy; others said it was harassment and argued the juxtaposition of the village’s name with the graphic symbol harms Northbrook’s reputation and residents’ sense of security. No enforcement action or formal resolution related to the display was taken at the meeting.

The trustees continued the agenda after the public comment period; the board later approved routine financial items and referred development plans for review by the Planning Commission.

Residents who raised legal questions were directed to speak with the village attorney after the meeting for further detail. The village also heard multiple offers from residents for community‑level events and educational programs addressing Holocaust memory and civic dialogue.

A series of related community events and proclamations scheduled in June — including Race Amity Day and other civic gatherings — were mentioned by trustees and community groups as potential settings for follow‑up conversations.

Quotes in this article are drawn from public remarks at the meeting and are attributed to speakers in the transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Northbrook - Village Board of Trustees (Agenda Packet Amended) - May 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","President Kathleen Ciesla and the village attorney told residents at the Village of Northbrook trustees meeting that the village lacks legal authority to prohibit or remove a privately posted display in the Shermer Walters public forum, after weeks of local controversy over a sign that uses an inverted blue triangle and messages in support of migrants.","taxTitle","Northbrook, Cook County, Illinois","taxId",55401,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6545599,"Votes at a glance: Northbrook trustees approve warrants, bond issuance, appointments and pre‑annexation; consent agenda passes",1059,3055000,4114000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3533920-222470a23d92f726a0a2bd684e619993&start=3055&end=4114","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3533920-222470a23d92f726a0a2bd684e619993/thumbnail_3055000.jpg","/articles/6545599/Northbrook/Cook-County/Illinois/Votes-at-a-glance-Northbrook-trustees-approve-warrants-bond-issuance-appointments-and-preannexation-consent-agenda-passes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545599-9ecddac699381151caee2e378c108859/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145371&Signature=NtEq8uwnSFLVo9POr6Mzv~ytFf03PsMXHgjGNOSvD9~bwiCT~trQo3a8MNC1sw1dpdX2hXOTGLkyZMuO4PTZ6HQo-gT4ILRi8JQsrag4WpysWv9RouMJfdRTf7qyJjwV3M2Y7KV5PxWQ0WY2HJgP1OnMKdoDhnXDWlFv7xVmbrqrJKHGojaMAKbtbWArOXSSaOW6Uuo2ZX3N5tHmstzjRB0K-DR-jTYipkggugYb5dhnNGcHRXbbHEdzYL6bUCdyOTOifLD2oHOXZjO-HW~xkS3waFshdSrcmcGn3y~com86CCIINcxp9Dj3gLqIhjnmUQ1YINrJLd3GQ3h8gl03ew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Village of Northbrook Board of Trustees took several formal actions during its June 3 meeting. Key votes and outcomes are summarized below.

Warrants and financial approvals
- The board approved omnibus payment of $3,358,796.05 for warrants processed between May 1 and May 15, 2025, plus escrow deposits and performance bond refunds of $28,060. The motion was moved by Trustee Israel and seconded by Trustee Ross; roll call: all ayes, motion carries.

Series 2025 general‑obligation bond issuance
- The board approved a resolution authorizing issuance of a Series 2025 GO bond issue in the amount of $25,000,000 to fund water‑fund projects and other village projects. Trustees were told the Water Fund will be the primary recipient of proceeds, with roughly $8,000,000 allocated to non‑enterprise projects; the additional annual principal and interest attributable to non‑Water Fund portions was estimated at about $650,000 and the overall debt service is designed to remain relatively level as existing debt retires. Motion moved by Trustee Israel and seconded by Trustee Abomie Allen; roll call vote: all ayes, motion passes.

Consent agenda and routine approvals
- The consent agenda was approved by roll call (unanimous yes votes). It included multiple items listed in the meeting packet; any member of the public or board could have requested removal but none were removed.

Commission and committee appointments
- The board approved commission appointments and board work committee appointments by voice votes (motions moved and seconded; all ayes). The board also voted to establish a permanent labor relations committee (motion by Trustee Ross, second by Trustee Israel; all ayes).

Pre‑annexation agreement: 3737 Oak Avenue
- The board opened a public hearing (no public comment was offered) and approved a resolution authorizing execution of a pre‑annexation agreement for 3737 Oak Avenue. Motion moved and seconded; roll call: all ayes, resolution approved.

Other actions
- The board referred Rivian’s preliminary review for 1804–1818 Skokie Boulevard to the Planning Commission for formal zoning review (see separate article). The board also approved multiple proclamations and recognized community events.

Votes and roll calls recorded in the meeting transcript are summarized above. The board did not adopt any ordinance or resolution during this meeting directly related to the public‑forum display; village counsel explained constitutional constraints and the board did not take enforcement action at this meeting.","At its June 3 meeting the Village Board approved warrant payments, a $25 million general‑obligation bond issuance (Series 2025), multiple commission appointments and a pre‑annexation agreement; the board also approved the consent agenda and referred several items for further review.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6545604,"Rivian proposes 39,000‑sq‑ft Skokie Boulevard facility; Northbrook board refers plan to Planning Commission",402,2510000,2912000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3533920-222470a23d92f726a0a2bd684e619993&start=2510&end=2912","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3533920-222470a23d92f726a0a2bd684e619993/thumbnail_2510000.jpg","/articles/6545604/Northbrook/Cook-County/Illinois/Rivian-proposes-39000sqft-Skokie-Boulevard-facility-Northbrook-board-refers-plan-to-Planning-Commission","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545604-d4f1ec8122e371cf4f20d4987663127b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145371&Signature=FO0~hsMSZrA9XwNCfoV0GANifP8kD7tJg8v7LQSxVfqlBEzCgsQ8fewCAd6Q5N2eAwQ1GQNFGqvZM-3DjqzUs~qKU3mzFu9FQcb0BCEQZnffHU46UFAeJszp9oBILHgVefuZNiUIDEXpSz7aQeetpCkRIbyZuLUFm7d3ZFO5EfaMOqzkM-FT8eLxl~ZVJTad86CV0zXp9APdNdWIjSNX4mkh2y2JzYhP5MelsF0qzxaiuMRJnBZ94liuUfbN33srUxtE9UnaFRjFlot-mehmz6WYagEVKvZzA56ymRGx7l6Zj2CcTjHoGatWUViBgqvAGWjSU1EqyEZCh1w6sN4ptQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rivian, the electric vehicle maker, has proposed a 39,000‑square‑foot facility at 1804–1818 Skokie Boulevard that would combine sales, vehicle delivery quality checks, operations and maintenance, Village of Northbrook staff told trustees during a preliminary review.

The company’s materials, presented to trustees as a nonbinding preliminary review, describe parking for up to 56 vehicles (13 are required under code), 63 new employees (12 part‑time; the rest full‑time), and both showroom and service space including indoor areas for maintenance and a display area for customer visits. The site is currently zoned I‑1 (industrial) and designated in the comprehensive plan for industrial and commercial services; the developer seeks a special permit for motor‑vehicle dealer and repair facility, site‑plan approval, and a rear‑yard variation.

Village staff and trustees discussed circulation, truck access and landscaping; staff said the applicant submitted site‑impact materials and that the review will proceed on a consecutive schedule for zoning entitlements and building plan review. Trustees and staff also discussed a potential sales‑tax rebate agreement consistent with the village’s past practice for motor vehicle dealers; staff said any rebate discussion would return to the board.

Trustee comments were uniformly favorable in the preliminary review. Trustee Hebel, Trustee Israel and others credited staff for moving the proposal forward; several trustees noted existing auto dealerships and showroom uses on Skokie Boulevard and said Rivian could complement that corridor. A representative from the applicant team was present.

After discussion, the board voted to refer the request to the Planning Commission for formal review and any required public hearings.

That referral does not grant zoning approvals. The Planning Commission will review the special‑use application, site plan and any requested variations; final action, including any sales‑tax incentive, would return to the Village Board after the planning process.","Rivian presented a preliminary plan for a combined sales, operations and maintenance facility at 1804–1818 Skokie Boulevard; the Village Board voted to refer the special‑use request and site plan to the Planning Commission for formal review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Northbrook trustees say First Amendment limits removal of public‑forum display as residents clash over blue triangle symbol

Votes at a glance: Northbrook trustees approve warrants, bond issuance, appointments and pre‑annexation; consent agenda passes

Rivian proposes 39,000‑sq‑ft Skokie Boulevard facility; Northbrook board refers plan to Planning Commission