Commission defers decision on Williamson County EMS monument sign, asks for DRC review

The Franklin City Historic Zoning Commission reviewed a multi-part application from Williamson County for a new EMS station at 110 Aldersgate Way. Staff recommended approval of the building and refuse enclosure with conditions but recommended denial of a proposed brick-and-limestone monument sign because monument signs are not a recommended sign type within the historic preservation overlay. Staff suggested alternative sign treatments and recommended downward, warm lighting.

Lacey Fuller of TMP, representing the applicant, told commissioners the station is an essential civic facility and stressed the safety value of clear identification: "There's an element of safety of being able to identify it quickly if you need to get there," she said. Commissioners discussed the building’s current church-like detailing and whether a more agrarian or barn-like treatment would better reflect the surrounding agricultural context; several commissioners urged exploring alternatives that would relate to nearby barns and historic rural character rather than mirror the adjacent church.

Given the design concerns and the need for additional DRC input, Commissioner Johnson (speaker 2) moved to defer the entire item, inviting the applicant to the Design Review Committee and scheduling the item for the March 9 voting meeting. The motion to defer carried by voice vote; staff asked the applicant to return with revised materials including sign options so commissioners could consider site and building massing together. The building/construction details that meet guidelines may proceed with the conditions previously outlined but the sign and final site-massing decisions await the March meeting and DRC consultation.