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Council approves non‑illuminated sign at 234 Locust Street with condition to fit existing architrave
Summary
After discussion with Historic Architectural Review Board recommendations, council approved a certificate of appropriateness (COA) for a non‑illuminated sign at 234 Locust Street conditioned that the sign fit within the existing architrave; council removed language about color and clarified that any design changes must return to HARB.
Columbia Borough Council approved a certificate of appropriateness for the addition of a non‑illuminated sign on the front of the building at 234 Locust Street, with the condition that the sign fit within the existing architrave.
The Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) had recommended changes including white lettering and white trim and fitting the sign into the rectangular architrave above the storefront. During discussion, council and applicants clarified that HARB must review any design changes and that color regulation for building paint falls outside HARB's sign authority; council removed a color requirement from the action language before approval.
Applicants offered to place primary identification ("JV Supermarkets" or current business name) on the glass where the storefront number formerly appeared if necessary, and the applicants and sign contractor agreed to keep any lettering inside the stained‑glass area and to present a revised design to HARB if they alter the proposed placement. HARB's conditions were incorporated into the COA motion.
Council approved the COA after a motion by Councilperson Stahl, second by Councilperson Kaufman; staff will update the application to record the signed action and the condition that the sign be non‑illuminated and fit within the architrave. If illumination is later desired, the applicant must return to HARB.
