Signs of the times?

Ivan, you are right about the jurisdiction. Even though the Nelson property is generating revenue by hosting commercial billboards, it is getting a sweetheart property tax rate because the vet practice is dormant. How funny is that?

The property is located in unincorporated DeKalb — meaning it falls under county jurisdiction. The value has benefited greatly from DeKalb's investment in the Route 23 corridor and the billboards would be illegal if the property were annexed. Nonetheless, the city of DeKalb is powerless here. An initial attempt was made at condemnation a few years back, but that effort was abandoned by the former State's Attorney.

I think the county has jurisdiction over that lot or at least used to.

Hey Ivan, how about that eyesore former vet place across from the Lowe's area. That was a disaster for at least twenty years!!!!!!!

I read 8a to eliminate directional signage that Realtors and people having open houses use to inform drivers where they are. I also see it as a way to eliminate "Garage sale" signage also. This is a great start in trying to reenergize the building and housing market.

Signage on the corner of 1st and Lincoln on the fence there, gone. Ellwood signage for craft fairs etc, gone. Political signage very restricted now which tends to favor incumbents. Church events and socials signage, gone. You can't just eliminate some temporary signage and allow for others, it is discriminatory and I know of groups that will excercise their rights in this matter if forced to.

What's next on the agenda? Colors that can be used for homes in the city limits? Alderman Naylor has already brought up the need for an ordinance as to what color your fence can be? Hell, let's just eliminate fences altogether while we are at it.

Maybe the city if worried about appearances of this community should tackle the real problems. First, let's start with the corner of Pearl and LincolnHwy. Two boarded up homes just sitting there. Let's knock them down or pull of the plywood and get them some occupants. Who owns them?

I drove around town yesterday and noticed at least 50 properties that did not meet with city ordinance. Paint, siding falling off, unsafe brick, graveled parkways, trees too low over a sidewalk, sidewalks in disrepair, porches that are just hanging on and in complete rot. Is there not some way that TIF or other funding available through state or federal can be used to help some of these people fix these items? Are we just looking to apply bandaids to situations so departments can report that they are doing something or are we going to fix the problem? Isn't this is real purpose of city government?

Does 8(a) eliminate realtors' "for sale" signs?

I know what they are trying to do and that is to give them the power to eliminate any signage they don't like. Of course they will exempt themselves for city sponsored events but that is not right. Signs are a way to do business. Signs must be permitted in order for businesses to survive today.

Obstructions they say with sidewalk signs. I walked Second Street the other day and obstructive sidewalks would be in front of the Hillside and next to Eduardo's. Now, I like the Wilson's and Balli's very much but what was the city doing there. Pretty tight for someone in a wheel chair and snow removal will prove pretty interesting.

The problem with this administrative staff writing or amending ordinances is that for them it is more reactionary instead of standing back and doing some long term visualization. What is the city's hatred of neon signs? Signage has come along so well recently that nights could be much more interesting downtown and around on Sycamore Road if they stepped out of the dinosaur era.

I like the signs on the fence at N. 1st and Lincoln Highway. Those are for community/non-profit events, not commercial. I do not like the sign for the skating rink because it has the word "ice." Where is the ice? There is no ice. Our tax dollars at work, for false advertising.

If this goes for businesses and homeowners it better darn well go for city, park district, school districts, and political signs also. What's fair for one should be fair for all.

What there is not enough real problems in this town that staff is spending time on this?