Chick Fil A project faces community backlash over signage plans

In a recent public hearing, the Design Review Commission (DRC) discussed the proposed signage and entrance design for a new Chick-fil-A location, addressing community concerns and regulatory compliance. The meeting highlighted the importance of public input, with attendees expressing strong opinions regarding the project's design elements.

During the session, representatives presented their plans, which included two main entrances—one from Citrus Avenue and another from the parking lot—aimed at enhancing accessibility. The DRC emphasized the need for the main entrance to be visible and welcoming, rather than facing the parking lot, which would present the back of the building to the public.

The discussion also focused on signage, with the applicant requesting a third sign to be placed at the public entrance. The DRC indicated support for this request, contingent upon the overall design meeting community standards. However, concerns were raised by community members regarding the size and visibility of the proposed signs, with some arguing that the larger signage could detract from the neighborhood's character.

The hearing included a rebuttal from the applicant, who defended the project as a result of extensive planning and community engagement over the past two years. They asserted that the project had undergone rigorous scrutiny and modifications to align with community expectations.

Despite the applicant's defense, community representatives voiced dissatisfaction, claiming that the DRC's decisions did not accurately reflect public sentiment. They urged the commission to reconsider the proposed signage, fearing it would lead to an undesirable branding of the neighborhood.

As the meeting concluded, city staff recommended denying the neighborhood appeal against the DRC's decision to allow a 48-inch letter height for the Chick-fil-A logo while also supporting the applicant's request for a third sign location. The commission is expected to deliberate further on the proposed resolutions in upcoming sessions.