Planning commission backs Harry Grove Stadium naming-rights sign recommendation despite staff caution on internal lighting

The City of Frederick Planning Commission voted 4-0 on Feb. 9 to recommend that the City Council approve new naming-rights signage at Harry Grove Stadium, including the applicant’s proposed internally lit signs.

Planning staff had recommended a different course. Gabrielle, the staff presenter, told the commission that Section 8-64 of the Land Management Code generally prohibits internally lit and changeable-copy signs and that staff’s recommendation to council would have been for signage "without it being internally lit." Gabrielle said the provision was created to address unique stadium signage and to avoid signs that could conflict with emergency-service lighting.

Richard Griffin, the city’s director of economic development, and representatives from the Keys said the proposed signs are part of a broader $40 million stadium improvement program and that the naming-rights term is five years. Griffin said the applicant preferred internally lit signs and noted the proposed signs are smaller than an existing stadium sign.

Commissioners questioned whether internally lit signs would present a safety concern for drivers and emergency responders but several said the proposed sign scale and location made them comfortable supporting the applicant’s request. The commission’s motion to recommend the signage as depicted to City Council carried unanimously.

The recommendation now goes to City Council; staff said the council will consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation and legal staff will advise on contractual and code-compliance issues under the stadium lease and naming-rights agreement.