Newberry Signage May Go Electro

NEWBERRY – Members of the City’s Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) met on Feb. 7 to consider an amendment to the Land Development Regulations to allow electronic message signage at City Hall.  Principal Planner Wendy Kinser-Maxwell presented Ordinance 2022-19/LDR 22-02 and explained how electronic signage would provide a public service through increased communication with the public about upcoming city events, meetings and emergency or safety alerts.

In her presentation, Kinser-Maxwell explained that the electronic sign, which in this case will be in the historic district, must still maintain the character of the district or structure.  Signs, electronic or otherwise, would have to be of a size and shape characteristic of the historic period of the district or property.  Graphics, fonts, colors and materials must also be characteristic of the historic period of the district or property.  

She also pointed out that signs “shall be sympathetic to the overall design of the main building.”  The frame of the sign must match the exterior building color and be similar in size, scale, mass and character of the exterior building elements.  Lighting of signs must be incandescent, unless encapsulated by a frame and plastic light panels.  Neon, animated and strobe lights are not acceptable and landscaping is required around the base of all freestanding signs.

Following discussion, HARB members unanimously agreed to recommend consideration of the proposed amendment of the text of the Land Development Regulations to the Planning and Zoning Board for their consideration.

The HARB members unanimously voted to table rescheduling the meeting that would normally fall on the July 4th holiday until such time as all the members could be in attendance to determine a date whereby all could attend.  Chair Naim Erched and Vice-Chair Gavin Johnson were not in attendance at this meeting.

In other business, planner Alayna Jackson presented examples of mid-century cultural resources within the City of Newberry.  Mid-century is usually considered to be buildings built between 1940 – 1960.  She also presented a map showing where 12 contributing mid-century structures are located in the local historic district.

Jackson said it is necessary to inventory structure in the city and determine what condition they are in.  “Newberry’s Historic Resources Survey Project is expected to receive funding from a state small matching grant,” said Jackson.  “There is potential for another local historic district with post-war period of significance.”.

The survey, when it is completed, will update the City’s information about where the historic district is actually located and what it encompasses.  

Mayor Jordan Marlowe announced a public workshop on Thursday, Feb. 10 on the Overlay District and Urban Service Area.  He said there would be large maps available and people would be able to move around the room to consider aesthetic design standards for development along the City’s two primary corridors, SR 26 and SR 45.  The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at City Hall and everyone is invited to participate.

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alachuatoday.com

Cont: Workshop on Overlay District/Urban Service Area