Council approves Highland Mains signage changes, leaves perimeter wall timing unchanged

The Highland City Council on June 16 approved amendments to the Highland Mains development agreement that update the project’s signage exhibit, while leaving the original timing requirement for a perimeter masonry wall in place.

City planner Rob presented the requested signage changes submitted by developer MNG (Midtown National Group), including a black background with white lettering, revised pedestrian wayfinding, and a reduction in height for some freestanding tenant signs (from a single 25‑foot sign approach to paired 15‑foot signs with masonry bases). The planning commission had recommended the changes, including a three‑foot stone base on commercial freestanding signs to match surrounding aesthetics.

Multiple public commenters had urged timely installation of a masonry fence on the north boundary between the development and an adjacent church property. Christian Hullbrook, representing the developer, said Midtown had ordered panels and was ready to install the wall; a church representative said the church had no current agreement to sell the adjacent ball field and asked the council not to delay required fencing while speculative transactions proceed.

After discussion, council voted to approve the development‑agreement signage amendments as recommended by the planning commission (motion passed 5–0) but left the fence timing requirement unchanged; staff said the developer may proceed with the masonry wall immediately and that any future change to the wall’s timing would require separate council action.

What happens next: Developer and staff will finalize sign permits under the amended exhibit; the northern masonry wall requirement remains in effect and staff will coordinate inspection if the developer proceeds with installation.