Normal council approves truck stop and variance for sign to soar above I-55

Posted on September 21, 2021

Earlier this month, the Normal Planning Commission recommended Love’s comply with the town’s current code limiting the sign’s height to 75 feet, but the council granted a variance allowing for the sign to reach 200 feet above I-55. (Photo Town of Normal)

NORMAL – Elected leaders have given final government approval for a Love’s truck stop and RV park in north Normal, and builders are also being allowed to put up a sign that’s much higher than permitted in the town’s code.

The Normal Town Council approved plans to rezone 30.5 acres of farmland to build the truck stop and RV park at the northwest corner of Interstate 55 and North Main Street.

Earlier this month, the Normal Planning Commission recommended Love’s comply with the town’s current code limiting the sign’s height to 75 feet, but the council granted a variance allowing for the sign to reach 200 feet above I-55.

Council member Kathleen Lorenz doesn’t think the town is setting a precedent.

“Under the circumstances, given the unique kind of business this is, I think it will be a singular kind of variance,” Lorenz said.

Council member Stan Nord commended Love’s for coming to town without requesting tax incentives.

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