Planning commission backs text amendment to create Public Arts Review Board

The Forest Park Planning Commission on Jan. 16, 2025, unanimously recommended a text amendment to the City of Forest Park Code of Ordinances to establish a Public Arts Review Board (referred to as PARB or ARB in materials) by adding section 8-8-169 to the zoning code.

Planner Latima Richards presented the proposal (case TA2025-01), telling commissioners the new board would promote integration of art into public spaces, support local artists, and review proposed public art and murals in city-owned or public-facing locations. Richards said the text amendment and an attached ordinance would be forwarded to the mayor and city council for formal consideration.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the board's scope and authority. Richards said the board would have five members, would use an application and pre-application process similar to other development reviews, and would have the authority to accept or reject proposed displays based on criteria in the ordinance. When asked whether the board could decline "negative" art, Richards confirmed that the board would review proposed pieces before installation and that the approval process would follow the board's adopted criteria.

A motion to recommend approval of the text amendment carried with all commissioners present voting "aye." The commission's recommendation sends the proposed language to mayor and council for possible adoption into the city's Code of Ordinances. The packet provided to commissioners included proposed ordinance language and examples of acceptable public art types and locations for the commission's review.

With the PARB item concluded, the commission had no further cases and adjourned.