Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
DeLand approves license agreement for historical marker recounting 1891 lynching-related events
Summary
After discussion and review of source material, the commission approved a license agreement authorizing installation of a historical marker in the right-of-way to record events connected to a 1891 lynching-related episode; the group organizing the marker says national researchers reviewed contemporaneous newspaper accounts.
The City Commission on June 2 approved a license agreement allowing a privately sponsored historical marker in the public right-of-way that recounts events tied to an 1891 lynching-related incident and the wider campaign of racial violence. The commission’s action authorizes permitting and placement in the city right-of-way, subject to sign permit review.
City legal staff explained the license agreement is necessary to allow private use of public right-of-way and that the language preserves the city’s status as government speech to avoid compelled-speech claims. “One of the issues that was of concern… is that once we authorize somebody to put a sign in the right of way, there is an argument to be made… that we have to let anybody who wants to put a sign up,” the city attorney said, describing why the agreement contains specific limits.
Volusia Remembers, the local sponsor, presented documentation supplied by the Equal Justice Initiative and other historical sources. Reggie Williams of Volusia Remembers said the national researchers reviewed multiple contemporaneous newspaper articles — including The New York Times and regional newspapers dated late September 1891 — and recommended only a minor wording change (changing “midnight” to “morning”) to reflect accounts that place the events before daylight.
Several commissioners expressed support for installing a marker that encourages public discussion of the city’s history. “Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it,” said resident Dan Gunderson during public comment; Commissioner Paula Reid thanked the organizers for meeting with her to address wording concerns. Commissioners moved to approve the license agreement; the motion by Commissioner Paiva, seconded by Vice Mayor Davis, carried on a voice vote.
Under the approved license, the marker will undergo standard sign/installation permitting and must meet safety and siting requirements in the public right-of-way. Organizers said the marker will be placed in the right-of-way between curb and sidewalk; public-works staff will finalize the precise location.
