Board debates replacing aging LED sign and relocating caboose as part of downtown site plan

Village staff briefed trustees on options for a village-owned corner at 2 & 4 North Van Buren Street, including replacing the aging electronic message board on Route 72, creating a parklet-style entrance feature and relocating the village-owned caboose. Staff said the current River Street electronic sign is failing and "on life support" and that replacement and service runs could carry notable costs. One staff estimate cited roughly $70,000 to procure a new message board plus $20,000–$30,000 to bring electrical service to the site; an overall concept figure of about $270,000 was also discussed as a potential full buildout cost.

Several trustees expressed concern about LED brightness and safety. "They're ugly, and at night they're very blinding," one trustee said, arguing a new bright LED screen may not fit the village character. Trustees discussed alternatives: remove the existing sign and rely on social media, sandwich boards, and targeted signage; repurpose the parcel as a small park or buffer between downtown and Route 72; or relocate the caboose closer to the stage as a functional element (possible changing room or small business booth).

Trustees also flagged permitting and timing issues: decorative crosswalks and changes along Route 72 could require IDOT approval and be multi-year efforts. Staff recommended budgeting for removal of the current sign in 2027, studying relocation costs for the caboose and including design and construction in the 2028 capital plan. No final design or funding was approved; trustees asked staff for updated cost accounting and for proposals that minimize visual glare and safety impacts.