Vernon Hills planning commission recommends approval for Baxter Credit Union electronic monument sign

The Village of Vernon Hills Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously Aug. 27 to recommend approval of a sign variation for Baxter Credit Union that would relocate the bank’s masonry monument sign to the corner of North Milwaukee Avenue and add an electronic message board.

Commissioners heard from Northshore Sign Company’s representative, who described a masonry monument with individual illuminated lettering reading “BCU” and a Watchfire electronic message unit equipped with an internal photocell that will automatically dim at night. “The watchfire unit … will also become equipped with an internal photo cell, so it’ll automatically dim,” said Matt Lazco of Northshore Sign, explaining the dimming and programmable controls the petitioner proposed.

Staff told the commission the relocation triggered a new variation because the original approval included a specific location and drawings; staff recommended approval with conditions carried over from the prior variation. The motion the commission approved includes seven conditions: install a photocell to dim the LED display at night; require images be displayed a minimum of five seconds; disable strobe effects; remove the existing sign and restore the area within 30 days of the new sign becoming operational; add low shrubs such as evergreens to the landscape bed; use natural‑colored mulch; and ensure the sign’s lettering is visible above plantings.

Commissioner Lee asked whether Baxter Credit Union remains a nonprofit; a Baxter representative replied, “We are.” Lee also questioned whether the new screen would allow pictures and animations; petitioners said the 8‑millimeter display supports text and limited animations and that the unit is programmable to meet village content and duration restrictions. Staff noted the petitioners intend primarily static messaging and that the unit’s brightness and duration can be adjusted to reduce driver distraction.

The commission’s 4–0 recommendation (Nabot: yes; Fluno: yes; Lee: yes; Cotton: yes) will be forwarded to the Village Board; staff said they expect to ask the board to consider the item at its Sept. 16 meeting. The recommendation packet and conditions will accompany the village board agenda if the item is placed on that date.