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Commissioners OK statue site and allow 'future home' signage for Robert Seldon Duncanson
Summary
The board approved county staff review and coordination to allow a project group to place a sign indicating the proposed site and to pursue fundraising for a Robert Seldon Duncanson statue at a southwest corner site near First Presbyterian Church and the Doris library.
Monroe County commissioners approved a request to allow proponents of a Robert Seldon Duncanson statue to place a sign indicating the proposed site and to proceed with fundraising and site studies. The board asked staff to coordinate permitting and to review site details before final placement.
What the board approved: The motion (as amended) authorized staff to review the request, coordinate with the relevant committee, and permit a sign that reads "Future home of the Robert Seldon Duncanson statue" with brief informational text. Commissioners also approved the proposed location in the southwest corner near First Presbyterian Church and the Doris Library as the recommended site for continued study and fundraising.
Public comments: Local residents and advocates described Duncanson's national and international reputation as a 19th-century landscape painter with ties to Monroe. Jeffrey Albergo and other speakers recounted Duncanson's travels, professional recognition and local ties, arguing the statue would honor an important Monroe native and aid local heritage tourism.
Next steps and conditions: The board instructed staff to coordinate necessary studies (site, engineering, permitting) and to return with formal recommendations. Any construction or long-term maintenance arrangements were not finalized; commissioners suggested establishing legacy funds or maintenance endowments to ensure upkeep.
