Graphics Commission tables request for electronic sign at East Beck Street charter school

The Columbus Graphics Commission on Nov. 21 tabled a request from a charter school at 387 East Beck Street to install an illuminated monument sign with automatic changeable copy, after staff, residents and commissioners raised concerns about location and long‑term use.

Planning staff told the commission the site is zoned R2F and lies within the Columbus Southside Area Commission area; staff recommended removal of the automatic changeable copy element to remain consistent with city graphics guidance (C2P2). Staff noted the Southside Area Commission recommended disapproval of the automatic copy feature by a 0–7 vote.

Stanley W. Young III, the applicant’s agent, said the school is a tuition‑free K–8 public charter that enrolls about 290–300 students and provides community services, including meals, a food pantry and after‑school programs. He told commissioners the proposed monument sign would be smaller than the existing sign (about 20 square feet, replacing a 32‑square‑foot sign), single‑faced, dimmable after sunset and limited to verbal messages during school hours or events. “This school is a community asset and not a deterrent,” Young said, arguing the sign is a way to communicate quickly with the community.

Gary Stuhlphoth, secretary of the Schumacher Place Civic Association, urged denial of the electronic component and said 13 nearby residents oppose the automatic changeable copy. “None of the residents supported granting the variance related to the installation of an automatic changeable copy sign,” Stuhlphoth said, citing the Parsons Avenue graphic standards that restrict such signs in parts of the corridor and expressing concern that future owners or school leaders could expand the sign’s use.

Commissioners questioned whether the school had demonstrated a code‑based hardship that would justify the variance and discussed alternatives, including a manually changed illuminated sign or relocating the sign further from the street. The applicant said the sign includes an automatic dimmer (engaging at about 5 p.m.) and that messaging changes would occur at intervals (about eight seconds between changes).

After extended discussion and resident testimony, a commissioner moved to table the case to allow further conversations with city staff and the Southside Area Commission. The motion passed and the commission directed the applicant to meet with staff and the area commission before the proposal returns for consideration (the commission noted a possible December meeting date).