“I would like to put a balloon in front of the store, something different, because in 23 years we have never put anything in front of the store outside of the garden center,” Salerno said. “I think this is something the council should take a look at because [the existing sign ordinance states] you can only open or grand open a business once; it doesn’t allow for anything after that,” Salerno said.
The plan commission reworded the sign ordinance at its Sept. 24 meeting, allowing existing businesses to have a re-grand opening or anniversary celebration with temporary signage every five years under certain conditions.
Normally, the plan commission’s recommendation would be brought before the city council for approval at its Oct. 5 regular meeting. If approved, the city attorney would draft an ordinance that would then be voted on at the Oct. 19 regular city council meeting. But the council has expedited the approval process so that Salerno can hold his re-grand opening celebration for 21 days beginning in early October, providing his permit is approved.
Salerno told the council he planned a re-grand opening celebration to introduce new customers to the numerous changes made in all Family Foods departments as well as to stimulate more business for his Warrenville store during the economic recession.
“We’ve been doing homework to try and stimulate our business to a point where we can continue to stay in Warrenville,” Salerno explained.
Community Development Director Ron Mentzer said that under current provisions, businesses may display special, temporary signage for only seven days. Mentzer also said that the way the current ordinance is worded, an existing business cannot have a re-grand opening celebration.
However, Mentzer noted that Mr. Salerno’s request is reasonable, and it would not be detrimental to the community to allow long-time businesses to have special signage every so often.
