Planning commission approves Mallister's Deli sign at Ridgeville Boulevard

The Mount Airy Planning Commission voted to approve a sign application for Mallister's Deli, located at 309 East Ridgeville Boulevard, after staff said the applicant reduced an initially oversize sign to meet town standards.

John, the town planning staff member, told commissioners the proposed lettering totals about 32 square feet and that the design uses raised, internally lit letters set into an aluminum panel; he said the applicant withdrew a larger initial design that would have exceeded allowable sign area. "We're recommending granting the approval of proposed signs for the Mallister Deli with no other restrictions," John said.

Gary Brent, representing the sign company, confirmed the deli letters will be the only illuminated portion and described the technical details of the lettering and LED illumination. Commission discussion touched briefly on whether the shopping‑center monument sign might also host a tenant panel; the commission agreed the property owner typically controls those panels.

Commissioner Buts moved to approve the application; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote with one abstention. The commission also authorized the planning and zoning administrator to approve any additional off‑premises tenant signage at the existing entry monument, should space be made available.

Next steps: the applicant may proceed with permits and sign fabrication according to the approved dimensions. The planning commission did not add additional conditions beyond those described by staff.