Church must make changes for new outdoor display
Downtown
The Downtown Revitalization Board met Tuesday, Nov. 19 to discuss the impact of lighted signs downtown, among other topics.
Upon opening the meeting at 6:30 p.m., the board unanimously approved the meeting minutes of the regular Aug. 12 meeting.
The board then moved on to a discussion about an application for a LED sign by the First Presbyterian Church, located at 125 College St.
According to community development director Tory Niewiadomski, the church currently has a black and white sign with a brick base and is looking to add an additional, digital sign. The proposed sign would be 40 square feet at a 6-foot-tall maximum height, Niewiadomski told the board.
Niewiadomski instructed the board to consider section 8.14 of city charter, “signs that are out of character with downtown, historically.” The proposed sign, with an animated display, “would fit that category,” Niewiadomski said.
“I understand why they want to change it,” member Dr. Robin Boshears said. “You can’t read anything when you drive by the sign. You need to basically walk up to it.”
However, Boshears noted, “I don’t like digital.”
Board President Mike Elliot noted the board has approved large signs before, specifically at The ROC, although they are not digital.
First Baptist Church features a neon sign, member Phyllis Rountree stated, which “could be confusing.” However, Rountree said, the neon sign has “been there for a long time,” and “it doesn’t change; it just lights up.”
Niewiadomski stated the city’s preference would be to reduce the height to 6 feet or shorter, match the brick of the sign to the brick on the building and the sign be a manual marquee.
Rountree said she thought lighting on the sign was “approvable and actively helpful. I like that option.”
The board agreed they thought the lighting should be external to the sign, not internal. City code 8.19 provides that light from signs should be from an external source, Niewiadomski noted.
The board unanimously approved the sign provided the changes were made.
The board adjourned with no further business at 6:55 p.m.