Controversial Darien Sign Plan Revived

DARIEN, IL — After rejecting it last month, the Darien City Council has decided to renegotiate an agreement for a controverisal digital sign at its main intersection. After last month's vote, Chicago Billboards asked the city what type of agreement it would approve.

The 12-foot-high monument sign would be at the northwest corner of Cass Avenue and Plainfield Road. The agreement would also involve businessman John Manos, who owns the neighboring Brookhaven Plaza. The agreement for the sign would be in return for the city granting an easement on its right-of-way.

Among the main sticking points were the 25-year length of the contract and that Darien would only got one of the eight advertising slots. When Chicago Billboards called, Mayor Joseph Marchese said the City Council may support an agreement that reduces the contract to 10 years and give the city two of the eight slots.

Marchese said the city also wanted an assurance that all the advertising for the spots controlled by Chicago Billboards be for local businesses. But the firm said it would not be economical to do that with a 10-year contract, the mayor said.

Alderwoman Mary Sullivan said she was concerned that such a contract would allow Chicago Billboards to sell advertising for out-of-town companies that could draw customers away from local businesses. Whatever happens, Sullivan said she would like to see some type of sign at the corner to promote the community.

Alderman Eric Gustafson said he believed the sign would benefit those who have no internet access, a group that he said includes a lot of residents.

"This sign at a prominent location is a great way to be able to advertise things that these individuals wouldn't see in any other way," Gustafson said.

The council voted 5-2 to authorize a renegotiation of the contract. Dissenting were Sullivan and Alderman Ted Schauer.