Council approves larger digital signs for downtown museum, with static‑image requirement

Akron City Council on June 15 voted 12–0 to allow two electronic message‑center wall signs to be installed at 1 South High Street, clearing a requested additional 1½ feet above the form‑based code's 24‑foot height limit.

Planning staff member Mr. Osbach described the proposal as two wall‑mounted signs measuring 16 feet by 6 feet to be affixed so the overall height reaches 25½ feet above grade. The signs would replace existing temporary wall banners and the applicant said the additional height centers the digital panels between architectural elements of the building. Staff noted the downtown form‑based code prohibits flashing or rapidly changing imagery and recommended that images remain static for a minimum of eight seconds before changing to reduce distraction to motorists; planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval.

Alex Hower Vicoder, chief advancement communications officer of the Akron Art Museum, said the museum expects the sign to help advertise exhibitions in real time and offered the museum’s assistance to the city and county “in the event of any sort of emergency” to use the sign for mass communications.

A resident who spoke in opposition expressed concern about distracted driving from a large illuminated sign. Larry Sheily, who identified himself as a resident of Ward Three, said in the hearing that motorists would be tempted to read the sign rather than pay attention to traffic.

Councilman Kamer moved a favorable committee report and the council approved the ordinance unanimously, 12–0. The approval allows the electronic message centers subject to applicable sign permits and the operational guidance described by planning staff; the council did not specify an ordinance number during the meeting.