BZA puts end to sign battle
By Kitty Conley kconley@post-trib.com February 5, 2013 12:24PM
The sign in front of the G.W. Berkheimer business on Delawrae Parkway, in Crown Point. | Scott R. Brandush~Sun-Times Media
Updated: February 5, 2013 12:24PM
CROWN POINT — The city has two new wholesale distributors serving heating and air conditioning contractors, next to each other in the Crown East Business Park.
G.W. Berkheimer and R.E. Michel Co. are on Delaware Parkway. Berkheimer had previously gotten approval for a sign as it was
moving in.
On Jan. 28, Randy Bennett of Landmark Signs was at the Board of Zoning Appeals asking for a sign variance for R.E. Michel. Bennett asked the BZA for permission to relocate the current 50 square-foot sign from the east to the north side of the building. That would give them 100 square feet of sign on just the north side of the building. They additionally wanted a new 100 square-foot sign on the east side of the building. This would give them a total of 200 square feet of signage, where 100 square feet is allowed.
Board member John Marshall was talking about the competitive spirit of these two companies and each wanting a bigger sign than the other. Marshall said, “Knowing the history of the two companies what if the next would be to set up a boxing ring in the parking lot?”
Board member Vern Segert said, “I would suggest we keep the sign the same size as Berkheimer’s.”
Marshall made the motion to approve the sign variance with one restriction on the approval, being that this is the last go at it.
The variance was granted with BZA chairman Dan Rohaley saying, “We don’t want to see you guys back anymore.”
