Board approves front-yard memorial statue at 124 Stanberry

The Bexley Board of Zoning and Planning on Oct. 23 granted a variance allowing a front-yard accessory structure in the form of a memorial statue at 124 Stanberry and approved the artwork as submitted.

Staff said the front-yard statue met the technical definition of a structure under the zoning code but recommended approval because the piece appeared to be personal to the owners and not a permanent public installation. "Staff has no issue with this variance," planning staff said, noting the Tree & Public Garden Commission would separately review plantings proposed in the right-of-way.

Owner Eric Quigley described the memorial as a bronze statue of his daughter seated on a bench and said the family intends the work as a private memorial: "This is a statue of her sitting on a bench," Quigley said. Board members acknowledged the emotional nature of the request and noted the homeowner's intent to retain interactivity and open lawn space around the sculpture for family use.

After staff read findings and conclusions recommending approval, the board voted to approve the front-yard accessory-structure variance and the artwork as submitted. The Tree & Public Garden Commission retains purview over any plantings in the public right-of-way.