We OPPOSE the proposed Village of Hoffman Estates Electronic Message Sign to be located along Algonquin Road on the Lake Charlemagne Park District property due to the following reasons: 1. COST - PROJECTED COST IS BETWEEN $80,000-$100,000 PER SIGN We believe this is FISCALLY IRRESPONSIBLE in these tough economic times, particularly when you consider the Village plans cuts to police, fire, and public works staffing budgets (Daily Herald 9/24/08). The signs are estimated to cost between $80,000 to $100,000 each ($240,000-$300,000 in total). 2. SAFETY - IMMINENT TRAFFIC HAZARD We believe the sign at this location just east of the Algonquin and Versailles intersection will create an IMMINENT TRAFFIC HAZARD for those driving westbound on Algonquin to the Versailles intersection. There is NO STOP LIGHT at the corner of Algonquin and Versailles, nor is there a deceleration lane for drivers making a turn onto Versailles. The proposed site will DISTRACT DRIVER'S ATTENTION at a CRITICAL POINT along this route. The traffic situation as it stands now is already a dangerous situation. If the Village places the sign in this proposed location and accidents occur as a result, the Village should be held liable for damages. 3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT We believe it is environmentally unsound to remove ANY of the existing natural vegetation for sign placement and "sight lines." The Village estimates it will need to remove approximately 4000 square feet of natural vegetation. Currently the natural vegetation consists of trees, shrubs, scrub, tall grasses and other natural growth. This material creates a barrier wall which protects the multitude of wildlife that relies on Lake Charlemagne Wetland as part of their habitat. The vegetation is intentionally allowed to grow by Hoffman Estates Park District who maintains the park and wetland. The Village proposes a "landscape plan" of 10 pine trees and a short row of dogwood be incorporated as a condition to the original plan of removing the natural growth vegetation. We believe that any plan is grossly insufficient and will be insufficient unless ALL the natural vegetation removed is returned in EQUAL AND EXACT measure, including the portion deemed scrub which provides an effective barrier wall for the Park setting. 4. WASTE/DUPLICATION OF TAX DOLLARS - MULTIPLE SIGNAGE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY It has come to our attention that the Hoffman Estates Park District proposed to work with the Village to replace the current Park District sign located at Lexington and Algonquin. Sign usage was proposed as approximately: The Village - 50%, Park District - 25%, and local business "sponsorship" - 25%. Under the Park District's plan, "sponsorship" advertising would fund the capital cost of the entire sign replacement WITH NO COST TO THE TAXPAYER. The Village claimed they were not comfortable being associated with the "sponsorship" portion of that proposal, so they declined to work together. The Park District still intends to further THEIR sign replacement with an electronic sign without the Village. This means TWO ELECTRONIC SIGNS would be located within a proximity of less than 4/10ths of a mile apart. 5. NOT AN OPTIMAL LOCATION In choosing this site, the Village admitted that it was not their first choice as it was not near a stop light and there were impediments (telephone poles) that would block the sight-lines. It was, however, an immediately available site - which was a driving factor to move forward. The Village indicated the location near the Algonquin and Versailles intersection would be the "fastest and easiest" way to install a sign. The "fastest and easiest way" is certainly not the best for our community and should be reconsidered. THANK YOU for taking the time to make a difference in our community. (NOTE TO RESIDENTS SIGNING PETITION: Please include all the information required by the asterisk so that your name will count. Please have all people in your household who are legal voting age sign a new line in this petition. You must list your email address to authenticate your electronic signature. It will not used for any other purpose.) LATE NOTE: PLEASE LIST YOUR TOP REASONS FOR CONCERN IN THE COMMENT SECTION