After months of debating, the Niles village board has decided to remove a sign bearing the name of convicted former mayor Nicholas Blase.
The "Nicolas B. Blase Plaza" sign in front of Village Hall plaza came into question after the ex-mayor was convicted of extortion last year for accepting $421,000 from an insurance company in return for favors.
Blase was sentenced to one year and one day in prison.
The board made its decision in front of a large crowd at a meeting Tuesday night. A year ago, the board voted to keep the sign. This decision reverses that earlier vote.
Blase's wife, who was present at the meeting, told reporters she thought the board was "vindictive" and "out for blood."
Blase was mayor of Niles for 47 years before he resigned amid the scandal.
