This Riverside Middle School sign will be replaced with a new digital sign displaying amber colored text. LEDs will replace the solar-powered lights that now illuminates the sign at night.
The variance was needed for the digital display on the bottom of the proposed sign. The top will be static identifying Riverside Middle School. Only the color amber will be used to display the text but no flash or scrolls will be used, according to Glenn Pace, Planning and Zoning Coordinator.
Eric Williams, Principal at Riverside Middle, and Michael Helvie, of Masstar Signs, answered question from the commissioners. “We recognize the current sign is an eyesore and it makes it difficult to communicate messages to students, faculty and parents,” Williams said.
LED lighting will replace the solar-powered now in use.
Pace acknowledged the sign would be across the street from the Riverside Chase community but his report recommended approval writing: “Staff believes that approval will not be detrimental to adjoined property or to the public good.”
No one spoke against or in favor of the variance. Pace told commissioners variances for signage were previously given to Riverside High School, Spinx and Wired Minds.
Commissioners Loan Nelson, T.D. Campbell, Michael Montgomery and Lynn Stewart approved the variance with Thomas McAbee voting against, saying he believed it adversely impacts with the residential community. Glendora Massey and Kevin Tumblin were absent.
Commissioners told Sam Todd he needs to provide a written plan with a layout before they would vote on his variance request to operate his automobile service station at 101 and 103 Arlington Road. Todd submitted he was planning on using storage trailers for about 600 tires. City ordinance prohibits tires to be stored outside.
“I would like to see a written plan specifying the type of trailers and where they would be placed on the property and the type of screening used,” McAbee said. That led to a motion approved by the other commissioners requesting Todd to provide more information.
Commissioners requested Todd to submit the plans to Pace for study.