Historic commission approves sign for 1371 Central Avenue storefront

The Middletown City Historic Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for a storefront sign at 1371 Central Avenue in the Main Street Commercial District after a staff presentation and no public testimony. The application was approved as submitted by vote.

City staff reported that the property at 1371 Central Avenue was built in 1932, is a storefront subtype and had previously housed a photography studio among other businesses. Staff told commissioners the property has 2,163 square feet of leasable space within a total of 4,752 square feet. Staff reviewed the proposed sign’s design, materials and measurements and identified other required permits — specifically a building permit and a zoning permit — and summarized the appeal process.

The applicant did not appear; no members of the public rose to speak in favor or opposition during the public forum and the forum was closed. A commissioner noted the building carries the Rachel Lewis name and asked whether Lewis had approved the sign; staff replied it had spoken with the applicant but not with Rachel Lewis directly.

A motion to approve the application as submitted carried. The commission conducted a roll-call-style vote with the following recorded: Roger Daniel — yes; Matthew Dixon — yes; Cory Carter — yes; Andy Brickler — yes; Gabriel (recorded variously in the transcript) — yes. The commission recorded that the application was approved as submitted; the staff report lists the design review criteria and the COA design drawing with dimensions and materials.

Staff noted that, beyond the COA, the applicant must still obtain a building permit and zoning permit before sign installation.