A sign of the times?

Look around the village. Aside from an over abundance of plastic buffalos (face it guys, cows work better) and banks, the village prides itself on its appearance.

Impeccably zoned, each business seems to have its proper place in the village. Aside from DUI arrests, many pundits claim that Big Animal Grove prides itself on keeping sign scoundrels out of town. The Zoning Board of Appearance is probably one of the busiest entities in the Chicago area, second only to the Cubs bullpen. Based on last year, the ZBA performed better.

Things could change however. The fine folks who occupy the dais twice a month are considering … mind you considering… modifying the Holy Grail.
Hell maybe freezing over or even more amazing, the Cubs’ bullpen may become effective.

At its last meeting, the Village Board discussed revisiting and possibly revising the village’s sign regulations. This was not the first indication that the founding mamas and papas took a walk on a winter day.

They’ve hinted at easing the restrictions by approving the giant screen that not only faucets, but soccer moms in the shower. Not only does it sell products, but it eases speeding on Lake-Cook Road.

The Board has also considered a more upbeat sign for Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion but incessantly debated its size, brightness, and even length of time messages can be shown.
This is, after all, where the buffalo roamed.

Trustee Mike Terson thinks the village needs to be more current with its signage to avoid everything looking the same and dated. I’m not sure just how progressive the village wants to be, but my concern is that if things become too lax, we’ll take on a character that is reflected in various parts of Cook County.

The trend in signs seems to be “electronic messaging” formats which incessantly flash a variety of images or message. The Board recently discussed electronic messaging signs so they could be used by restaurants, stores etc. to promote specials.

A point of clarification here – these aren’t the Banner Plumbing size signs that would have the capabilities to display soccer moms eating skirt steak sandwiches or sushi. These would be simple single-line signs announcing daily specials, a sale on pedicures etc. Simple.

A source of contention is how long can a line or image be displayed. Is 10 second too long, how about five or six. My guess is there is no single solution. An image of a soccer mom in a shower may need to adorn a sign longer than a single-line about fresh pastrami sandwiches.

If the village plans to refine its already stringent sign code – which has been instrumental in keeping Buffalo Grove from looking like unsavory parts of Milwaukee Avenue – then a one-size fits all will not work. Ah, the joy of variances.

The Zoning Board of Appeals revises requests for new signs and makes its recommendations to the Village Board, which then discusses the recommendation as needed.

Sometimes the ZBA seems to be too kind. The Shell station at Rt. 83 and Arlington Heights Road installed a new sign to accommodate McDonald’s, Shell and Circle K (which is now vying with Microsoft for most logos per square inch). In addition to having more red than found in the Kremlin, the sign sits on steel posts that rival support beams for the tollway. I know, but at least the landscaping is nice.

Ah, the joys of variances.

Conversely, there are two news sign that will grace village buildings in the near future, but only after tough Board scrutiny. Prime Source Health Care Systems calls part of River Walk office complex home and has the OK to put up its corporate name on top of one of the two buildings. The Board approved the sign in November and the company has until May to install its signage on the building.

The other is for the aforementioned Twin Rinks ice Pavilion. Its request resulted in considerable debate among the Board regarding size, brightness and ensuing impact on nearby home and, of all things, the need to promote a Deerfield vs. Alton hockey game.

That sign, with modifications, was approved and a permit issued, so it’s just a matter of time before another breakthrough sign arrives on the village landscape.

What seems to be an undauntable task, balancing appearance and new technology, lies ahead for the Board as it gets more requests. The Board may also find itself jousting with a double-edge sword. The village wants to attract more businesses – but does it do so by diluting the guidelines that have made attractive to commercial interests?

Some guidelines need to be addressed. While the Board was concerned, as noted, about the size and brightness of the Twin Ice rinks sign, it did not address potential images.

Can you imagine if Twin Rinks take a cue from Banner and the sign features soccer moms in hockey pads?

A game misconduct for chipped nails looms.

This is the city....

The Buffalo Grove Police Department’s Officers handled 1,027 incidents and crimes and 80 crashes during the month of February 2012. These are their stories -- well -- some of them.

What would Yenta say?
Resident reported that her fifteen year old son is missing from home. Officers located the boy at his girlfriend’s house in Wheeling. He was transported home and turned over to mom.

Trashed out…
Someone dropped off a note at the police station stating that a resident does not remove his trash cans from the driveway and there has been a pile of mulch in the drive for an extended period of time. Officer spoke with the resident who removed the cans and stated he would remove the mulch in the spring.

How about the Library?
Resident reported two youths loitering in the lobby of the building. Officer spoke to the youths who stated that they were just killing time before school began.

On the next episode of “The Office”
Complainant reported an unknown subject in the office, after business hours. The complainant showed the officer a female subject sitting at a computer, entering data. Officer spoke with the woman who stated that she knows the complainant and he had given her permission to use the office and computer. The complainant stated that he does not want the woman on his premises any longer and she was so advised.

You're kidding, right?
Resident stated that while upstairs in her home she heard footsteps on the ground floor hardwood floor near the kitchen. Officers checked the residence and found no one inside. A kitchen cabinet was found partially open.


Check the kitchen cabinet..
Resident reported hearing a noise in the area of her front door and was in fear someone was coming into her apartment. The resident then realized the noise may have come from the door across the hall. Officers checked the area and did not locate anyone.

You're kidding -- Part II
Resident reported footprints in the snow around his house. Officer checked and found nothing suspicious.

School daze?
Father reported that his son was refusing to go to school. After some discussion, the father drove his son to school

Rt. 53 plans need to go beyond Rt. 53

The recent revelation by the Obama Administration that gas prices are rising is gratifying because now it realizes that many Americans are getting gouged at the pump.

It is likely to force people to stop driving as much and opt for public transportation or spend more time at home watching public access TV – which includes such things as replays of Village Board meetings. The crisis is worse than you think.

If, however, folks drive less, that means there will be fewer cars on the road, less congestion and therefore less of a need for major road projects – like the extension of Rt. 53.

That’s probably not going to happen, so plans for the extension of Rt. 53 will continue. Unfortunately.

The battle over the extension of Rt. 53 will be to area politicians what the proposed cross town expressway was to Richard J. Daley – yes Richard J. Daley. It was an idea that was supposed to eradicate what ailed city traffic. Now, years later, there is still traffic in the city and no cross-town expressway.

Rt. 53 could be on the same course. There’s no doubt that congestion along north/south corridors in Lake County, especially along routes 12 and 14 is horrific because of the development in the county. That should not come as a surprise, however, because the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission saw the growth patterns in Lake County.

The problems, as I see it, with the planned extension of Rt. 53 are two-fold. First, and in my mind, foremost, while the extension will ease backups, especially at Lake-Cook Road, it appears that backups will just be moved north to Rt. 120. Granted, the project calls for massive improvements to

Rt. 120 that appears to be the only east-west corridor that be improved. Traffic on east-west roads in Lake County, with few exceptions, is extremely congested, which means by extending Rt. 53, there will likely be greater traffic on those roadways. A comprehensive plan for Rt. 53 should include improvements to those roads that will provide access to what will become a major roadway.
Routes 22, 45/ 60, 176 and 137 need improvements. All of those roads deal with heavy traffic, and if the economy ever improves, will likely see a continuation of the suburban sprawl to the north and northwest.

Another needed aspect of the proposed Rt. 53 extension is accommodations for car pools and public transportation. High occupancy lanes, for cars with two or more passengers and bus-only lanes would reduce dependency on natural resources and possibly maintain an environmental balance with Lake County. In a perfect world, a light rail system could be included, one which would link the outlying suburbs with commuter rail or buses.

The size of the extension is also a point of debate. Given the nature of Lake County, a four-lane project (two lanes in each direction) augmented by a landscaped median is often seen as a possibility – picture Lake Shore Drive. A standard six-lane highway would probably draw the most ire of folks in Lake County, not only from an aesthetic standpoint, but cost as well.

If the county continues to grow as it has, six lanes may, at some point, become necessary. Until then, however, the cost difference between a four- and six-lane road should be earmarked for improvements of the access roads to and from an extended Rt. 53.

The last thing anyone wants is to replace a headache with an upset stomach.

OMG -- say it ain't so!

The turmoil that surrounded the crackdown (yes, I know, bad choice of words) on cell phones and their apparent connection drug dealing at Stevenson High School has seemingly ebbed.  The key word here is seemingly.

Students, parents, administrators and folks who just want to hone in on a ruckus at the Mecca on 22, have all had their say in one way or another.

But not as much as you would think.  According to a report in the Daily Herald, the Feb. 13 meeting of the District 125 was void of any public comments about the situation.  Board President Bruce Lubin gave his statement explaining the district’s position, but you kind of expected that.

So as this latest saga regarding Stevenson seemed to fade into the archives of board minutes, the Countryside arrived.  Yes, the meeting was covered.  No surprise.

No doubt there was considerable grousing Stevenson students and parents, and probably by some faculty members – that all comes with the territory.

The question may be this – just how big is the territory.  Included in the Feb. 16 Countryside is a letter by Myra Newman-Foley.  My guess is Myra must have a connection to Stevenson, the community, or have mental telepathy that is beyond belief.

See, Myra lives in Palm Springs.  Yes, that Palm Springs – as in California.

She doesn’t say why she’s so interested Stevenson from her garden of wheat germ on the west coast, nor does she offer solutions.  Just barbs that Stevenson students had it coming.

As she wrote “between the permissive parents and the school officials who turned their heads (probably to keep Stevenson ranked high the State of Illinois, etc) it’s finally time that this took place.”

All for a police state -- raise your hand.   Thank you Myra, that will do.

There’s no doubt that Stevenson is not a perfect high school.   But neither is Woodstock, New Trier, Glenbrook South, Maine East, Thornton Fractional or Fenger.  By reading Miz N-F’s letter to the Countryside (http://buffalogrove.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/10473029-474/letter-about-time-for-stevenson-drug-bust.html) you’d think the school was under siege and there was a need for Marshall Law. 

It’s not.  It is, fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your point of view, a typical high school.  

Granted, the demographics of the surrounding communities may not be typical, but teens have been finding ways to usurp the law since laws were made.

So who’s to blame?  Myra wants to blame the school, and there may be some blame there, and the parents.  Myra knows best, because she’s “heard” -- just ask her “I heard that in years past parents supposedly called their kids on their cell phones to let them know the police were on campus and to stash whatever they had. True or not? I say probably true.”

True, some parents may have done that -- but how about the parents who guided their students toward academic excellence?  How about the parents who volunteer in schools?  How about parents who thank teachers for calling home when their student goes astray?

Hello, Myra?  You say you’ve “heard”, but you claim that it needs to be run like a “private school” and that “This school needs to have stricter rules, a better dress code and tighten up on security.”

Nothing’s perfect, including Stevenson High School – but don’t think because a seemingly handful of kids screw up that the entire school is out of control.  It’s not and there are a lot of outstanding students at Stevenson.

But you wouldn’t know that from reading Myra’s letter.

Myra is quick to propose solutions to what she has heard while basking in Palm Springs.

It’s easy being an arm-chair quarterback on Monday morning.  No muss, no fuss – just an “I told you so attitude.”

Myra, like Monday morning quarterbacks, just needs two simple things:  A game plan and a play book.

Oh, and maybe a life.

And hey, let's be careful out there...

Yes, Virginia, these are real -- actual items taken from the Buffalo Grove Police report...

 Can you hear me now?

A Buffalo Grove resident reported that he found a cell phone on a walking trail near Green Lake Park, along Thompson Blvd on 01/24. The resident tried to turn the phone on, but would not work. Upon examining the phone to obtain the serial number, the battery of the device was wet. A representative of Sprint was contacted to try and obtain owner information with negative results. A property control form was completed and the phone was placed into evidence. 

Glad we have a vicious dog ordinance…

A resident reported a stray Chihuahua running lose in the area. Officers responded and were able to locate the dog and placed it in a cage. The dog became aggressive, so it was immediately transported to Kings Kennel. The owner of the dog arrived on station where three citations were issued. 

Can’t you just hear Neal Sedaka? Breaking up is hard to do,..

Complainant reported breaking up with his girlfriend and she threatened to destroy his personal property. The complainant wanted this documented and did not want the ex contacted. 

Check the Chihuahua

Resident reported foot prints leading to a window and around the home. Officer determined the prints to be that of an animal. 

Samurai night fever?

Resident turned in for destruction three swords that she no longer wanted but did not feel comfortable to place the items in the garbage. 

But she has a nice personality…sometimes

Resident reported her son’s girlfriend, who is staying with her, has not been taking her medications and has become uncontrollable.

Check the Chihuahua – Part II

Resident found a Boxer/Rottweiler puppy running loose in the area of Deerfield Road and Milwaukee Avenue. The twenty five pound puppy with BIG (sic)paws, did not have a collar or tags and did not have a chip. She was taken to Kings Kennel. 

Try a Facebook page…

Resident reported someone ringing all of the door bells in the building in an effort to gain entry. Officer located two subjects who are Jehovah Witnesses wanting to pass their message on to residents. Officer suggested they leave a notice with a call back number for anyone in the building that may be interested in speaking with them. 

Smart thinking…

Resident received a phone call from American Cash Awards, telling her that she won 2.5 million dollars. She was advised that she needed to send $400.00 via Western Union for fees and taxes. The resident hung up. 

Talk about a lack of interest…

Resident reported receiving phone calls from someone offering to lower her interest rates. The calls continue even though the caller was asked to stop. The resident was advised of the do not call list procedure.

Must be the caffeine…

Center employee reported that a patient threatened to throw coffee on him if the employee did not clean a wound. Officer spoke to the patient who denied the threat. The patient’s wife stated she would discuss the issue with the employee’s supervisor. 

Let’s go out and win one for the Zipper…

Customer stated that he had his jacket zipper replaced less than a year ago and the zipper broke again. The tailor refused to fix the zipper stating that the customer did not have a receipt and the he did not replace that zipper, stating that it is not the type of zipper he would sew in. The customer departed.

A real snow job, Part 1…

Resident reported that his neighbor blew snow onto the resident’s driveway. Officer spoke with the neighbor who apologized and stated he would be more careful in the future.

A real snow job, Part 2…

Resident reported that his neighbor’s snow plow driver deposited snow onto the parkway across the street and in doing so, damaged the parkway grass. 

A real snow job, Part 3

Resident reported that the snow plow driver for his neighbor left a large quantity of snow in the roadway. Officer attempted to contact the neighbor but no one was at home.

Such a deal…right mon?

Resident received a phone call advising her that she won $1,000,000.00 with Publisher’s Clearing House and that she needed to send a Western Union money gram in the amount of $400.00 to cover fees and expenses. The resident told the caller she did not have $400.00 so she was told to send only $100.00. The resident sent the money gram to a subject in Rockville, MD as instructed. Officer checked and found that the caller’s number come back to Jamaica. 

Online encounter…this is news?

Resident reported that her son was online and had an encounter with a female subject that told the son she was going to get him and displayed his address. Officer discussed internet issues with the son and has placed an extra watch on the residence. 

Love in the digital age, Part 1

Resident reported receiving threatening text messages from his ex girlfriend. Officer contacted the ex who stated that it was the resident that was contacting her, thirty times in just one day.

Love in the digital age, Part 2

Resident reported that her ex boyfriend is sending out messages on twitter calling her vulgar names and making other disturbing comments. Officer contacted the ex who apologized and stated that he would cease all contact and messaging. 

Well, at least they’re not texting…

Complainant stated that while he was walking, his ex wife’s husband approached him and threatened bodily harm. Officer attempted to contact the offender without success. The officer will follow up. 

No parent left behind?

Official reported that during a parent conference, the parent became upset, threw papers, and slammed the door on his way out. The official is concerned if she needs to address issues with the parent about the child in the future. The official was advised to call 911 if the parent returns and has anger issues. 

You’re kidding, right?

Resident engaged in an internet relationship with a subject who, after sometime, requested for her to accept a package he was sending from England. A short time later the subject requested the resident to send some money to release the package from customs. The package did not arrive. She was again asked to send money via Western Union, for additional fees, which she did. The subject then asked the resident to send money so that he could come home from England, which she also did. The resident has discussed this with an internet attorney site and was advised to contact the police. 

You’re kidding, right?  Part 2

Citizen reported a package in front of the bank. The package appeared to have batteries attached. It was determined that the item was a holiday decoration.

Maybe he needs to get a bucket of chicken…

Employee stated that a man called numerous times ordering food and then not being happy with the quoted price. The caller would then request extra food items for the same price. The employee told the caller that no food order would be accepted from him. Officer called the subject who apologized and stated that he would make no further calls. 

And this is why they call it “social media”?

The complainant reported being harassed by a former friend/employee on Facebook. The complainant related that there were no threats made, but harassing messages were being left

.

Shake, rattle and roll…

Resident stated that he was listening to music while putting his daughter to bed. The upstairs neighbor was jumping or pounding on the floor. While the officer was present, the upstairs neighbor was pounding on the floor so hard that he ceiling shook and the chandelier was shaking. Officer spoke with the neighbor who had the officer go to the bedroom to listen to the loud music, none was heard.

Shake, rattle and roll…Part 2

The complainant advised a loud drumming noise coming from the listed location. Officers responded and spoke with the resident who was practicing with his DJ equipment. The resident understood he was disturbing his neighbors and agreed to stop his practicing for the night. 

Another chapter comes to an end -- hopefully

The recent issuing by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency of its findings about the now infamous Land and Lakes landfill site along Milwaukee Avenue should bring to a close another stretch in the ride of recalled trustee Lisa Stone.

                The keyword here is should.

                While no one can diminish concerns about environmental issues, when they become a mere personal crusade it take away from the issue and processes in place.  The IEPA held a public hearing in November 2010 and released its findings last week.  Its findings revealed that the landfill is not an environmental danger and steps can begin for its complete closure and development by the village.

                Case closed.

                In its coverage, the Daily Herald cites a news release sent out by Stone in which she says, again, according to reports in the Daily Herald that “We can't let this potential time bomb sit there. We need to make sure that the area is clean, that there are no toxic substances polluting the ground and water of current residents and future generations.”

                If Stone knows for a fact that the site is a “potential time bomb,” then she needs to reveal her sources – professional and valid sources.  If not, she is not fulfilling her fiduciary responsibility as a concerned citizen. If she the information while on the board, then she needed to reveal it.  Instead, she ridiculed her colleagues and village staff for not doing their jobs.  

                So now the state EPA has spoken and still Stone does not appear satisfied with the findings.  In a post on AOL’s Patch, Stone says it’s “Up to You” – meaning Buffalo Grove residents – to read the information she has provided and get involved.

                We’ve been down this road before.  Stone tossed out information wanting people to see the wrongs in the village and follow her lead.  Most didn’t, and in November of 2010 most said enough was enough.

                Stone still contends that, according to her Patch post, "Those in power often recruit their minions to maintain the status quo and stay in office with no regard for what is best for the general public.”

                In the last village election there were two contested contests; one for village clerk and one for a trustee spot.  No one was “recruited” – and no one else came out to run.

                Those who ran did so because of an interest in what was happening in the village.   No one recruited Rob Sherman to run for Village Clerk and no one recruited Andy Stein or Denise Bocek to run.  There were no minions behind them – just a concern, for the most part, to serve the community.

                Everyone knows that.

                Even a Cree Indian.

Beyond the goofiness..

It continues to amaze me just what people call the police department for, which is why I started posting monthly summaries from the police report.

Clearly some people are hopeless -- or helpless -- I haven't decided.

There is, however, another side to the police reports.  Public service reminders.

Each police report includes a list of scams that people are trying to pull on residents.

For example, ruse burglaries -- Quite simply, A ‘ruse burglary’ is a crime in which someone distracts the homeowner while a second person enters the home and looks for things to steal.  Now you may be thinking -- why would anyone let a stranger in their house under the ruse  (hence the name, ruse burglary) that they were doing work outside and needed to check something inside.  Bottom line -- if it looks strange, it probably is -- don't take the chance.

The same holds true for people calling claiming you are needed for jury duty.  According to police reports "The caller claims to be a jury DUTY coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the Scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out any of this information and Bingo, your identity was just stolen." Bottom line -- if its sounds strange, it probably is -- don't take the chance.

So here's what the police suggest you do -- as taken from the police report:

•  Do not let anyone into your home that you do not know or does not have an appointment 
•  Do not give any personal information to someone at your door or on the phone. Your bank will never call or send an email asking for personal information. 
• Do not send money to someone who says you are the beneficiary of a man in Nigeria … or a serviceman in the Middle East. No one is going to send you six or seven or eight million dollars. If I had all of the millions that were promised to me through emails, I would be able to pay off Illinois’ 15 billion dollar debt. 
•  Do not send money to someone who calls and says he is your grandson in jail in Guatemala (or anywhere else in the world). 
• If you have doubts about a call or visit, or if you want to report a scam, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

 There are other scams that unfortunately the police have not addressed yet. For example:

• If someone calls and offers a chance to get in touch with your inner self  through regular tranquility by becoming a Village Board member – it’s a scam.
• If you are offered free tickets to an exciting night at a school board meeting – it’s scam.
• If someone gives you a chance to be part of the next Rob Sherman Bible revival followed by a pig roast, it’s a scam.

And finally, the most serious scam facing the community comes in the form of either an email or phone call in which the recipient is guaranteed a solid and stable business opportunity in athletics by becoming general manager of the Chicago Bears – needless to say, it’s a scam.

So hey, let's be careful out there.