McConnell planning commission approves revised paint scheme for Galleria building, delays sign placement

The Planning Commission of McConnell voted to approve revised exterior paint colors for the building variously called the Galleria and the lighthouse, commissioners said during a meeting where staff noted sign placement would be handled separately.

Commissioner: "All in favor? Aye. Aye. Okay. The public meeting is apparently closed." The vote came after staff described changes to the applicant's submission that were significant enough to require an additional public hearing.

Staff member: "They edited some of the details of their application to such an extent that it required another public hearing due to the changes." Staff also told the commission it had not received final details about sign placement: "I have not received additional clarification on the sign... so we're holding that back for an administrative approval once we receive that." The commission approved the updated paint scheme but left the sign's placement to administrative review once the applicant supplies more information.

Staff clarified the exterior color change being approved. "They're repainting the existing facade pure white. Originally, they were only painting portions of it, the shutter green and the lime green. They decided to, like, judge up the whole building, so they wanna paint it all white," the staff member said, describing the decision to make white the predominant exterior color and to retain green accents.

Staff also said the applicant is proceeding with interior renovations and permits and has secured a business license, and that because the planned interior changes do not alter the exterior beyond the approved paint, they "probably won't come before you for review at all." The commission did not record any opposition during the vote. The placement of the new sign remains pending administrative approval once staff receives clarifying information from the applicant.