'Visual Clutter' At Downtown Hinsdale Bank: Official

HINSDALE, IL – The Hinsdale Plan Commission last week approved changes to a downtown bank's signs.

But several members were less than enthusiastic, saying the bank's signs don't fit into downtown's character.

At Thursday's Plan Commission meeting, BMO Bank requested adjustments to its signs at 50 S. Lincoln St. and its drive-thru across the street at 120 W. Hinsdale Ave.

The new signs would reflect the bank's new name, BMO. The current ones say "BMO Harris Bank."

A few of the signs, the bank said, would have less square footage.

Plan Commission member Julie Crnovich said the bank has too many signs that are too large.

At the same time, she said she knew the signs were allowed as "non-conforming" because they were approved before changes to the village code.

"I feel less is better," Crnovich said. "To me, it's a lot of visual clutter."

The commission's chairman, Steve Cashman, said the main building was constructed in 1966, making it contemporary.

"I don't think we have the right to tell them to eliminate signs. There are so many non-conformities in this town because codes change," Cashman said.

He said if the bank decided to rebuild one of its structures, then it would have to follow current sign codes.

Member Jim Krillenberger said he agreed with Crnovich's sentiments, but said the village was "stuck" with the signs.

Member Cynthia Curry said the BMO buildings have an "awful lot of signage."

"Target doesn't have this many signs," she said. "You'd have to be a fool to not know it's BMO."

The commission unanimously approved the sign changes. It has final authority on such issues.