Temporary sign rules possible

Although the Portland Historic Preservation Commission seemed hesitant to get involved with regulating temporary signs, they'll gather information about how other communities approach the issue.

The board briefly discussed how to handle temporary window fixtures such as signs, posters and window paint and whether businesses within the historic district should need to check with the commission before display.

"It's not permanent," said board member Emily Roberts of those types of displays.

Joe Jarzen of the Indiana Historic Landmarks Foundation, while agreeing, noted however that some displays may not technically be permanent, but are long-term fixtures. He cited the tribute poster to Lance Cpl. Andrew Whitacre, a Bryant marine who was killed in action in 2008, that is displayed in the window of the Weiler Building as an example - although was in no means suggesting it needed to be removed.

The board expressed some concern about additional oversight that would be involved to try to clear those types of displays and wondered if business owners would go through the process.

"I think the guidelines should be more about the structure itself," said board member Christy Corle.

Corle and other board members, however, asked Jarzen to do some research about temporary displays.

"Let me do some checking on this and see how other communities handle it," Jarzen said.

In other business, Corle reported that the contracts for the downtown façade grant program are being finalized. That program will help downtown building owners replace and repair exteriors on their structures.[[In-content Ad]]