This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

PATCH POLL—LAST CHANCE TO VOTE: Should City Allow A-Frame Signs for Downtown Businesses?

The City Council Committee of the Whole will consider A-Frame signs "with conditions" on Monday night. What do you think?

Last week, we ran a story on the passionate reaction to the notion of removing A-frame signs from Geneva's downtown business district.

As of 7 p.m. Sunday, the vote is 68 in favor of allowing the A-frame signs, 38 against them and 6 undecided.

The Committee of the Whole is expected to look at the matter again on Monday night. The agenda items says the council members will "consider A-frame signs, with conditions."

Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Some merchants say their businesses need the signs desperately. It's especially important for those who have a "shop around the corner," and use the signs to show pedestrians and passers-by where to find the store entrance.

The signs are versatile. They're easy to move about and change at will.

Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

But are they dangerous? Some say they're easy to trip over. City Administrator Mary McKittrick said she couldn't see over one while driving in her SUV.

Plus, there are liability issues. McKittrick says Geneva's insurers are acutely aware of the signs, that the signs are a danger, and that their continued use could hurt the city's insurance rating.

Then there's the aesthetics issue. Do the signs "junk up" Third Street or add to Geneva's folksy, friendly feeling?

Right now, the signs—sometimes called sandwich boards—are allowed for restaurants. The city is suggesting that they be disallowed altogether, in part because they've become so prevalent for all manner of downtown businesses.

What do you think?

Are sandwich-board signs a scourge or the best thing since sliced bread?

Here's your chance to weigh in on the issue, prior to its next public discussion, which was tabled last week and is expected to commence again at the Monday, Sept. 26, Committee of the Whole meeting.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?