Commission recommends sign variation allowing Heartland Baptist Church LED monument without side columns

The Antioch Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of a variation to allow an electronic message-board monument sign without the code-required side columns for Heartland Baptist Church at 1350 South Main.

David Bromley of Chicago Sign Group presented the petition and described the proposed sign as about 2 feet tall and 6 feet wide, with stone at the base to match the building. He said landscaping would surround the sign and that the sign could be set to automatic dimming at night.

Commission discussion focused on which option to approve, sight-line and safety measures (bollards were discussed as protection), whether the unit would occupy a parking space, and how timing and brightness standards would be applied. Commissioner members said they could set time windows or conditions when approving individual sign permits.

Daryl Hamlin, a nearby resident, asked why landscaping would be required where the sign would be sited on existing pavement and expressed concern about volunteer maintenance if the church could not afford a contractor. "Why would we be required to dig all that up to plant begonias?" he asked. Staff and the applicant said landscaping could be met with planters or other practical approaches and that the applicant had not requested a variance from the landscaping requirement.

Sheila Barrett, who identified herself as the pastor’s wife, said removing columns would increase clearance by roughly three feet and expressed concern about vehicle clearance and safety at the drive aisle.

After public comment and discussion, the commission voted to recommend approval of the sign variation (option C, without side columns) and will forward a positive recommendation to the village board. Commissioners noted that the broader sign-code changes that staff is proposing could affect future sign permit constraints such as message timing and dimming.