Junction City commissioners approve East 9th Street mural drawing after heated debate; police urge design tweaks

The Junction City Commission voted Oct. 7 to approve a proposed mural design commemorating the East 9th Street Black business district and community history, a project funded through private donations. The mural would be painted on a city-owned building used by the police department.

Proponents, including Nancy Baylor, who described herself as a last surviving proprietor of businesses on East 9th Street, told the commission the mural is intended to preserve a community history that many younger residents no longer know. "I'm the last proprietor alive," Baylor said during public comment, adding that she had raised nearly $25,000 privately toward the project and had an exhibit in the local museum documenting the street's history.

Opposition centered on specific imagery in the proposed design. Police Chief Nichols told the commission he had no objection to a mural per se but said he was troubled by depictions that he and others viewed as glamorizing alcohol and gambling. "That's the problem I have with it," Nichols said, urging removal or modification of those elements.

Supporters responded that the mural reflected historical reality rather than endorsement. Curtis Jackson and others described East 9th Street as a cultural hub where music, businesses and social life thrived and said the design pictured community life that had occurred decades ago. Artist Mindy Allen, identified by supporters as the muralist, and other committee members said the work was meant to memorialize people who lived and worked there and noted the mural would be privately funded and low-maintenance.

Commission discussion acknowledged both points. One commissioner moved to approve the drawing as submitted; the motion passed. At the same time, several commissioners asked the mural committee to work with the police chief on a revised rendition or clarifications on specific elements and to return to the commission if substantial changes were made. The committee said it would continue fundraising and review options for minor adjustments and maintenance commitments.

The commission record shows the mural permission applies to the city-owned structure identified in the request; no city funds were approved for the mural. Several commissioners urged a collaborative approach so the artwork can proceed with broad community buy-in while addressing the police department's concerns about perceived glorification of past criminal activity.

Proponents said the mural's location, in the 300 block near East 9th Street, preserves local memory and could reinforce downtown cultural tourism. Opponents asked the artist to consider emphasizing notable local figures and entertainment history rather than iconography tied to alcohol or gambling.

The commission's action grants permission to install the artwork on the specified city building, with commissioners requesting the mural committee meet with police leadership before beginning paint on the wall.