Residents press Northbrook for public hearing on controversial sign and request gender-neutral restrooms at Village Hall

During the public-comment period at the June 10 meeting, resident David Hochberg asked when the village would hold the public input or hearing that President Ciesla had referenced after a prior meeting about a controversial sign. Hochberg said community members had requested a public debate about whether the village’s designated free‑speech forum should be changed and asked whether village attorneys had discussed the issue; he said he had not received an answer at the meeting.

Separately, Ezra Goodman Lucker, who identified themself as a nonbinary student, asked the village to add clearly signed gender‑neutral restrooms at Northbrook Village Hall and described why inclusive facilities matter to members of the LGBTQIA2SN+ community. Ezra said the neighboring Northbrook Public Library has accessible, well‑signed gender‑neutral restrooms and requested the village match that access at Village Hall. Ezra was introduced by Rae Goodman Lucker, who called for “proactive allyship” and suggested the village audit its buildings, signage and forms for accessibility and inclusion.

President Ciesla praised Ezra’s remarks and said he admired the speaker’s courage. The board did not set a date at the June 10 meeting for any public hearing on the sign issue; staff said they might direct the village manager or village attorney to follow up and respond at a later date.