Plan Commission approves new sign faces at 133 East Ogden Ave, asks for landscaping improvements

The Hinsdale Plan Commission on Feb. 11 approved a request to replace the faces on an existing ground sign at 133 East Ogden Avenue, permitting a black background with white letters intended to reduce perceived nighttime brightness, and asked the applicant to improve landscaping around the sign.

Commissioner Willoughby moved to approve Case A-1-2026 "as submitted with the request that they improve the landscaping around the site," and Commissioner Cernovich seconded. During the roll call on the motion, the transcript records 'Aye' votes from Commissioner Harlow, Commissioner Cernovich, Commissioner Willoughby and Commissioner Moore; the chair then thanked the applicant.

The application, as introduced by staff, covers new sign faces on an existing ground-mounted sign adjacent to a building described in the record as the School District 181 administration building and a dental office tenant. Commissioners and participants questioned how the change in sign appearance would affect nighttime brightness and how individual tenant panels on the sign would be managed when leases change.

An unnamed representative for the applicant explained that switching to a dark background with white letters was intended to reduce the apparent brightness from the large illuminated panels and to minimize complaints about glare. The representative also said individual tenant panels could be removed or blacked out and replaced with a new tenant logo when a tenant leaves and another arrives.

Several commissioners said they were comfortable approving the sign itself but reiterated a desire for improved landscaping at the site. A participant who identified themselves as Julie asked whether the landscaping would be upgraded; the applicant said the application lists existing landscaping as remaining. The commission's approval included an explicit request that the applicant investigate and improve landscaping around the sign.

The meeting also recorded a motion to approve minutes from the Jan. 14, 2026 meeting earlier in the agenda. The brief session concluded with a motion to adjourn.