The Historic Preservation Commission recommended city council approve placement of nine bronze "Generals" sculptures on the north end of the levee, with conditions limiting the run to no more than 140 feet south of the stairwell and advising bilateral symmetry near the stairs. The commission also indicated support for the sculptures at a height of roughly 88 inches.

Proponent Gary Miller presented the project’s history and siting idea, saying the nine statues — developed over several years and produced at a foundry — would form a linear display about 140 feet long with roughly 15 feet between each figure. Miller said the proposed site near the blacksmith shop and the stairway would provide a wooded backdrop and create a photo opportunity for visitors.

Commission discussion examined whether the levee is an appropriate setting. Commissioners reviewed the town’s historic-preservation ordinance and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. One commissioner observed that several ordinance standards were neutral for this proposal — the levee’s original purpose as flood control would not be destroyed and the proposed addition could be removed later — and that the change neither clearly contributed to nor conflicted with flood-control history. Another commissioner raised accessibility concerns and said ground-level placement would increase public access for people who cannot use the levee stairs.

The commission also discussed competing locations that had been suggested in past outreach, including the market house, Veterans Park and Grant Park, but members noted constraints such as crowding, park historic integrity, and Army Corps of Engineers oversight of flood-control infrastructure.

The commission’s recommendation included several caveats: the placement should not extend more than 140 feet south of the stairwell (center of stairwell referenced in motion), the statues should preserve a roughly 15-foot spacing, bilateral symmetry near the stairway was preferred (a suggestion, not a strict requirement), and the commission found an 88-inch height acceptable at the proposed site. Commissioners emphasized that the recommendation was based on the sculptures’ historical value to the community and that final approval and any work on city property require city council authorization.

Motion and vote: A motion recommending approval to city council with the stated caveats was made and seconded; the roll call recorded affirmative votes and the motion carried.

Proponents said they hope the pieces will be installed before winter and highlighted the sculptures as a potential bicentennial attraction. The commission did not approve any installation permit itself; its action was a recommendation to city council.