Village May Replace Banners with a Permanent Digital Sign

Sometimes it's hard to catch a glimpse of what's on some of the advertising banners at a couple of the busiest intersections around town. 

But if you're stopped at the intersection of Madison Street and DesPlaines Avenue or Madison and Circle they're not hard to miss.

Ribfest, Forest Park Farmer's Market. Others have had music events at churches and different fundraisers.

But sometimes all that material hanging around there can be a bit unsightly at times, especially if there's heavy wind or rain.

And while commissioners favor them, there may come a time when a permanent digital sign along the town's main drag would be a better way to advertise happenings around town.

Commissioners Monday night unanimously approved banners for a Sept. 22 softball tournament for Opportunity Knocks and another for a concert series sponsored by St. John Church. The concerts would take place on Sept. 23 and Oct. 21. View both requests in PDF.

But two commissioners - Chris Harris and Mark Hosty - noted that the signs were becoming unsightly and wondered if other avenues - such as a digital, permanent, sign that would change event postings every 25 to 30 seconds or so - should be explored for outdoor advertising.

Harris, while offering no objections to the two requests on the table Monday, noted that the signs never looked that great and thought that perhaps the announcements could get some time on the digital sign at the Howard Mohr Community Center, 7640 Jackson Blvd.

Hosty echoed Harris' idea and thought it was time for the village to look into permanent signs.

"They pile up at a certain point. Let's accelerate discussion of a permanent sign. It would be cleaner, more organized and more professional," said Hosty, who commented that they could be considered as a budget item.

At some point some requests might have to be denied if there are a lot of requests, Hosty said.

Mayor Anthony Calderone said he agreed with some of what they said, but did not commit to the idea of a digital sign.

Banners are commonplace, offering free advertising for village-sponsored happenings, the Chamber of Commerce and a lot of other groups around town. They are hung by the Forest Park Public Works Department at no charge.

People say they are an effective method of advertising especially during the summer and holidays when a lot of folks are out and about.

Some events also are posted on the digital sign outside of the Mohr Center. Events at the Center get first dibs for space, and according to Karen Dylewski, the center's director, drivers can get info on two events just sitting at the red lights.

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