A decision could be made later this month on a proposed sign at the future home of Graves Family Pharmacy.
McMinnville’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously appointed Raven Young to the Historic Zoning Commission, a five-member commission that has been one member shy.
Its last meeting ended in a 2-2 tie vote when members were hopelessly divided on a request by Chad and Emily Graves, owners of 357 W. Main Street, to allow a free-standing sign in front of their building that would contain the name of the building, as well as a digital sign display for advertising.
Mayor Ryle Chastain nominated Young.
“She is local,” said Chastain. “She has a degree in interior design. She is a member of the Main Street McMinnville Board. Because of that, she meets the criteria of being a member of the Historic Preservation Society which is required to fill this spot on the Historic Zoning Commission. She has been overseeing some renovations downtown, most notably Mr. Ken Roberts’ property at the end of Main Street.”
Young, who is the granddaughter of Roberts, could be the tiebreaker on the commission.
Members Bobby Kirby and Rachel Kirby voted against the Graves Family Pharmacy sign, citing their belief the sign is against current guidelines that prohibit signs that are “internally lit or flashy.”
Members Rachel Killebrew and Tom Ward voted in favor of the sign. Killebrew contended that similar signs already exist downtown and the sign is important to the success of the business.
City planner Katie Kemezis was asked by Chastain to contact Young, provide her with a copy of the guidelines and provide her an update on the current situation/ decision facing commission members.
“Raven, I would add, has gone through this Historic Zoning Commission approval process a couple times because of the Fraley’s renovation,” said Kemezis. “She is familiar with the process and familiar with the concept of having a historic district and the guidelines that go with it.”
The next meeting of the Historic Zoning Commission has yet to be set.
