Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews interpretive sign drafts for Bell Street and 360 Second Avenue; staff to refine photos and SHPO submission
Summary
Planning staff presented designs for four interpretive signs required by the State Historic Preservation Office for the Bell Street/360 Second Avenue project, discussed photo sourcing and placement challenges, and sought council feedback and community photo contributions before submitting to SHPO.
City planning staff presented draft interpretive signs for the newly opened Bell Street / 360 Second Avenue roadway and asked the council for feedback before sending the designs to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for review.
Rebecca Markham and AJ Thorne explained that SHPO requires interpretive signage for the project and showed three primary sign themes: the bungalow/barn/family history tied to the Lundin and Johns Redd families; a ‘best of Sandy’ sign highlighting local events and transit; and regional context about the Sandy River and logging history. The presenters said they worked with CReach (the design firm that created signs for the Johns River Viewpoint) and have received new historic images from the Sandy Historical Society, but noted several photos were low resolution or required retouching.
Councilors asked about placement and right‑of‑way constraints along Bell Street and whether signs could be temporarily relocated as development proceeds. Staff said the signs are planned to be walkable (4 feet by 2 feet) and will be placed in locations intended for pedestrians; they will check easements and adjust mounts so signs can be moved during future construction. Council members suggested adding QR codes to link to expanded historical information, soliciting community photo submissions, and ensuring signage forms a coherent family of markers across city sites.
On preservation of the historic barn on the property, staff noted the land is privately owned; removal from the historic registry would require a formal process and is not guaranteed. Staff will consolidate council feedback, post revised drafts for internal review, and seek SHPO review with the goal of installing signs in the summer following SHPO approval.
