Commission continues Market on Main exterior‑lighting review to April 15 for applicant response and site visit

The Planning Commission continued a site plan review hearing for exterior string lighting at Market on Main, 585 Main Street, to April 15 after staff recommended narrower lighting on the parcel and commissioners said they wanted the applicant present and a night‑time site visit.

Staff told the commission the application sought to legalize existing warm‑white LED string lights on the south and west elevations and along an upper and lower fence line. Because the parcel is narrow, staff recommended removal of the lower fence string and some porch lighting to reduce potential glare and light trespass to adjacent properties. Commissioners and the public raised questions about whether the lower fence row served a legitimate pathway safety purpose, how the lights actually read after dark and whether the lighting might be relocated to better illuminate the outdoor seating area. Multiple commissioners said it was difficult to assess the visual impact and safety from daytime photos alone.

No applicant representative was present. Several public commenters said string lights are generally attractive and add safety; one supported limited fence lighting for pathway safety while another urged the commission consider code changes to exempt low‑impact holiday/seasonal lighting from site plan review. Given the missing applicant and the desire for clearer visual evidence of how the lights appear after dark, Commissioner Lepper moved to continue the item to April 15 so staff could coordinate with the applicant and perform a site visit; Commissioner Stratton seconded. The motion passed on a 5–0 roll call. The continuance is not an appealable action and will be brought back to the commission on April 15, 2025.