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Council approves certificate of appropriateness for signage at 50 N. George Street
Summary
Council voted unanimously to approve a certificate of appropriateness for signage and poster-case replacements at 50 North George Street, allowing the Appell Center to replace marquee and poster cases with updated and partly digital displays.
York City Council voted to approve Resolution No. 10, accepting a recommendation to issue a certificate of appropriateness for exterior work at 50 North George Street, the Appel Center for the Performing Arts.
Todd Fogdoll, president and CEO of the Appel Center, described exterior work as part of a multi-year renovation. He told council the project would replace marquee signs and update six poster cases at the Strand Theatre and two on the Capitol Theatre with digital technology intended primarily to present largely static poster-style images. Fogdoll said the displays are designed with lighting controls so they are not “glaringly bright” at night.
Councilmember Betsy Buckingham asked about the visual impact and said she had consulted a HARB member who was initially skeptical but later supported the project. After discussion the clerk called the vote; the roll call recorded Buck "Yes," John Eskew "Yes," Buckingham "Yes," and Washington "Yes." The resolution passed.
Why it matters: The change allows the Appel Center to modernize its exterior signage while preserving an appearance consistent with historical context under the certificate-of-appropriateness process.
Motion text (as introduced): "A resolution accepting the recommendation … for issuing a certificate of appropriateness for work to be done at 50 North George Street." The meeting transcript did not record a named mover or seconder for the motion.
No permit details, contractor names or final design mockups were provided to council during the presentation; Fogdoll said the digital poster cases would be used largely like illuminated posters and would change only occasionally.
