Commission approves Goose Town mural despite calls to preserve historic 'ghost' signs
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Summary
The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission approved a major development permit for a mural on downtown brick, 4–1, after public debate over preserving historic ghost signs and assurances from the artist that the Enco/Inco sign element would be incorporated into the design.
The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission approved a major development permit for Jordan Lucer Properties LLC to install a mural in Goose Town after a public hearing and a 4–1 vote.
The mural application drew both supporters who described it as a tool for downtown revitalization and preservationists who warned painting over ghost signs would erase local history. Planner Carl told the commission the county’s signage ordinance treats new murals as a major development permit and that the planning board recommended approval by a 5–1 vote after an earlier hearing and resolution of an access agreement with an adjacent property owner.
Chris Bruner, the project proponent, told commissioners the mural of geese flying through a mountainscape is intended to "beautify our community and celebrate our heritage," said it "is not an advertisement," and pledged that the artist would use UV protectant and maintain the work. Artist Cara Murray said she intends to incorporate the existing Inco/Enco sign into the mural and said she would consider making the sign element function as a moon in the design to preserve recognition.
Opponents urged preserving ghost signs rather than painting over them. Resident Rose, who identified herself as a preservationist, argued ghost signs "tell a story" and suggested establishing a small restoration fund to preserve those historic wall signs. The chair read an email from John Walsh who said covering the Enco sign "would be erasing a part of the town's history" and questioned why Canadian geese were chosen for the design.
Commissioner Bosley moved to approve the permit; Commissioner Gallagher seconded. The motion passed 4–1, with the record showing Commissioner Hart voted in opposition.
The commission’s decision wraps up the local review required by the county’s signage ordinance; the approved permit follows planning board review. The artist and proponent said they will continue to refine the design to address concerns raised about preserving ghost-sign features.