After debate, board approves four banner signs for Metropolis Ballroom; amendment to allow six fails

The Arlington Heights Village Board on June 15 approved a motion directing staff and the village attorney to prepare final documents granting a sign‑variation permitting four 11.25‑square‑foot wall banners for the Metropolis Ballroom on Vail Street. Petitioner "Didi," owner of Metropolis Ballroom, originally requested six banners but told the board she would accept four if required.

Diana Rodman explained staff and the design commission recommended reducing the petitioner’s request from six banners to four because six appeared visually busy; the design commission concurred with staff. Trustee Schwingbeck Jr. moved an amendment to increase the approved number to six, but the amendment failed on a roll‑call vote (4 in favor, 5 opposed). The main motion to approve four banners then passed on roll call.

Didi, the petitioner, said she preferred six but would accept four, noting the larger property frontage and the desire to help customers identify the ballroom on the second floor. Supporters on the board said the additional signage would help an established downtown business; opponents raised concerns about visual clutter and seasonal visibility when trees have leaves.

The board said staff will bring a final ordinance to the July 6 meeting. The vote on the final motion approving four banners was recorded in the meeting minutes as unanimous in favor at the final roll call.

Vote: final motion to approve four banners carried on roll call (recorded as yes votes by meeting roll-call).