The Italian Village Commission heard a proposal for six interpretive signs from the Italian Village Society on Nov. 10. The applicant (speaker 6) described six locations with historic images to be installed in the public right-of-way; no final approvals were requested that day.

Commissioners and staff discussed practical constraints: signs in the public right-of-way will likely require Department of Public Service (DPS) approvals and possibly electrical utility (AEP) coordination if mounted on poles. Commissioners advised exploring private-property mounting where feasible to avoid right-of-way permitting and recommended reducing sign footprint to avoid obstructing sidewalks and to reduce wind loads. Several commissioners suggested a tall-and-narrow format (taller, slimmer signs) or smaller interpretive plaques to reduce sidewalk impacts and wind shear.

Staff recommended that the applicant return with revised drawings after consultation with DPS and AEP and noted that the commission could consider an application for formal approval once mounting and detailed drawings were clarified. Commissioners also encouraged a consistent visual identity (a contrasting color band or background element) so the signs are recognizable at a distance.

The commission did not vote on the item; staff advised the applicant to pursue DPS confirmation and return with revised plans for formal application and potential COA review.