Manteno business owner asks board to revisit temporary‑sign rules for new shops

Liquid Books owner Adam Wacker asked the Manteno Village Board to change the village’s temporary‑sign regulations to help new businesses attract customers.

Wacker said his store on Route 50 sits roughly 75 feet from the road and the current ordinance — one temporary sign for 30 days on followed by 30 days off — limits his ability to get street‑level attention during a crucial launch period. "The first 6 months is severely crucial," he said, and argued that allowing two street‑facing signs would improve visibility for motorists traveling the 35 mph corridor.

Staff said the 30/30 rule has been in the zoning ordinance for eight or nine years and was adopted because the board did not want an overabundance of signage. "It is in the zoning ordinance, so we'll have to go to the planning commission for a public hearing first before it could be changed," a staff member said. Trustees confirmed there is no hearing fee and discussed asking the planning commission for a recommendation.

Trustees expressed general sympathy for new businesses and emphasized fairness and consistency in applying any change. One trustee noted concerns about sight lines and traffic safety at street access points, saying any adjustment should avoid creating vision obstructions for drivers. Wacker noted the strip‑mall will hold a ribbon‑cutting event the next day and encouraged residents to visit; trustees invited the public to attend the noon‑to‑2 p.m. event.

Board members agreed to raise the signage issue at a smaller working meeting and to refer a possible ordinance change to the planning commission for a public hearing and recommendation. No ordinance change was adopted at the meeting.

The board did not set an ordinance text that night; next steps are a planning‑commission public hearing and a future board agenda item.