Will New LTHS Scoreboard Be Distraction?

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — Lyons Township High School plans to erect a new scoreboard at the football field at South Campus. Some are concerned the video board would distract drivers.

The school wants to replace its 20-year-old scoreboard, but it needs the Village Board's approval first. The existing board does not include video. The new one would be higher and wider and would be used for events such as movie nights and football games.

In a letter to the village, residents Greg and Susan Jonas, who live across the street from the football field, expressed concern the new scoreboard would transmit light at a longer distance and a higher intensity than the current board. They also said the new one may distract drivers.

They suggested landscaping to screen the scoreboard from the neighborhood.

"Secondary benefits of a natural landscape screen along the north boundary of the field would help to abate noise and improve the aesthetics of Bennett Field," they said.

At Monday's Village Board meeting, Trustee James Tyrrell picked up on the point about distracting drivers.

"I'm a football fan myself. When I pass a video replay, I'm always looking at it. I know they are putting trees there, but I was just wondering if those trees will be high enough," Tyrrell said.

Village President Alice Gallagher joked, "Eyes on the road, Trustee Tyrrell."

Martin Scott, the village's community development director, said there would be no video replays at football games. He also said he did not believe the scoreboard would be a big distraction because of the infrequency of its use.

"Some type of buffer will be there. We have to be realistic with trees that are already there and the power lines," Scott said.

The school has committed to providing a landscaping plan, he said.

The school's athletic director, John Grundke, echoed Scott's points.

The board plans to vote on the school's scoreboard proposal at its Feb. 28 meeting.