Schaumburg likely to restrict size of roadside memorials
Schaumburg trustees Tuesday concluded a monthlong discussion of proposed guidelines for roadside memorials for traffic accident fatalities, adding a space restriction of 25 square feet to the 90-day time limit previously agreed upon.
The entire proposed policy will be voted on at the Oct. 28 village board meeting.
Trustee Frank Kozak, who was the strongest voice for a specific size restriction for the memorials last month, was not at Tuesday's meeting and didn't contribute to the narrow 3-2 vote to recommend approval of the policy.
Trustee Mark Madej voted against recommendation because the policy no longer includes a provision for commemorative plaques that would have provided more permanent remembrances for persons killed in crashes as well as reminders to other motorists to drive safely.
Trustee George Dunham voted "no" for different reasons. He said such memorials are often not well maintained and deteriorate quickly. He favors banning them entirely.
"I voted 'no' because I think there are more fitting ways to commemorate the death of a loved one," Dunham said.
Mayor Al Larson did not vote Tuesday but said he would vote in favor of the policy to break a tie if Kozak also votes 'no' on Oct. 28.
"I don't think people are frivolous about roadside memorials," Larson said in response to Dunham's criticism. "I think people have a deep-seated feeling for the person who has died."
After the 90 days allowed for roadside memorials in Schaumburg, any materials left by family or friends of the deceased would be collected and stored at the village's public works building for up to six months.
While trustees also previously agreed that materials making up a memorial shouldn't encroach on the roadway or unsafely restrict the vision of motorists or pedestrians, some like Kozak felt that wasn't specific enough a restriction.
The policy also allows for anniversary memorials in the unpaved area of the right of way for up to seven days after the anniversary of a fatality.
Schaumburg officials believe Mount Prospect to be the only other Northwest suburb with a policy on roadside memorials. Mount Prospect has a similar 90-day limit but no specific size restriction.