Park Ridge passes mural program in split vote

The Park Ridge City Council narrowly approved a mural program Monday that could see civic pride on display on public buildings around town.

The 4-2 vote came after a debate on the difference between an advertising sign and art promoting city.

The program will allow all public buildings to have murals painted on them, pending approval from city hall. The cost and upkeep of those mural would be up to the owners of the buildings.

The city has been considering a mural program since May, and since the earliest discussions, city staff struggled to find a workable definition of what constitutes a sign for a building and a piece of art.

The ordinance the council approved defines a sign as having “letters, products, logos, and similar elements are being used in the presented project. Should those items be included and are in connection with the proposed business/entity, the project would be considered signage rather than a mural.”

In addition, the mural may not depict “similar elements which relate to the nature of the business located on the property.”

The city already has standards for signs. However, public buildings include schools and park offices, all of which have logos. The mural program is only for public buildings, as private buildings would need approval for a sign.

The proposal passed unanimously through the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, and Community Preservation.

But council members raised questions Monday before passing the measure.

“I’m still struggling with the definition of the mural,” said Alderperson Lauren Rapisand. “It’s a bit restrictive.”

She pointed out Elementary School District 64 might want a logo featured on a school mural, and she worried a mascot, such as a wildcat, might be forbidden.

“If a school wanted to do that, they could apply and go through the (sign) process,” Development Director Drew Awsumb responded.

Awsumb said he doubts schools would have any issues meeting the city’s criteria, as whatever they’re promoting is likely local history and town character. The distinction was intended to prevent a publicly-owned building from allowing a business to paint a sign on it, or a business from underwriting a mural and adding its logo to it.

Alderperson Joseph Steinfels agreed that the regulations shouldn’t be a problem for a school.

“I can’t imagine this definition would prevent Roosevelt Elementary of having a picture of a tiger kicking a ball or running in a field,” he said.

Jesse Wright is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.