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Columbia HARB approves hanging sign for 301 Cherry Street; members discuss townwide sign guidance
Summary
The Columbia Borough Historical Architectural Review Board on Aug. 13 approved a certificate of appropriateness for a double-sided hanging sign at 301 Cherry Street and discussed drafting a townwide signage manual after reviewing a Portland example.
Columbia Borough Historical Architectural Review Board members on Aug. 13 approved a certificate of appropriateness for a double-sided hanging sign to be installed at 301 Cherry Street for the tenant occupying the storefront.
The decision matters because the board serves as the local review body for signs and exterior changes in Columbia’s historic districts; members also raised the idea of creating a voluntary signage manual to provide consistent guidance townwide.
At the meeting the applicant, who identified himself as the tenant and not the property owner, described the proposal as a double-sided hanging sign that would mount on preexisting bolts and said window lettering would be limited to lettering only and would still allow visibility through the glass. The applicant said remnants of a prior sign, “Kristen’s Catering,” remain at the top of one window while the storefront is being prepared for new lettering. “It’s just lettering,” the applicant said about the window treatment. “No. You’ll be able to see through.”
A board member said the hanging sign “fits nicely” but voiced reluctance about covering an entire window with graphics, and the board discussed sizing and placement so the sign would not obscure the storefront. Members confirmed the proposed hanging sign would use existing bolt locations and that the mock-up’s black background was only for the presentation, not an installed backdrop.
A motion to approve the certificate of appropriateness for the 301 Cherry Street sign passed by a voice vote; the board recorded aye votes without a roll-call tally.
Members also discussed broader guidance for signs in Columbia. One board member said they had reviewed an example from Portland and suggested the board assemble a voluntary manual to encourage consistent signage across town. The same member offered to share a copy by email for the board to review; a staff member agreed to accept and circulate the example.
The board noted administratively that 233 Locust Street will not pursue a permanent front sign and therefore will not return for review.
The board closed the item with members welcoming the new tenant and wishing the business well.
The HARB scheduled its next regular meeting for Sept. 10, 2025.
