Design board approves Park Lanes mural with final-sizing review

The Amherst Historical Downtown Design Review Board approved a painted mural for Park Lanes Bar and Grill, 249 Park Avenue, during its July 16 meeting. The board reviewed six submitted design options and agreed the mural concept was appropriate for the downtown historic district, while asking staff to steer the applicant toward particular variants.

Board members discussed differences in lettering, color outlines and the amount of visual “movement” in the designs. The chair noted applicant materials included a photo of storm damage and several design mock-ups; committee members said options 2 and 5 had distinct looks but that option 2 could be “a little bit much.” Committee member (S3) moved “to approve as submitted with the exceptions of number 2 and 5, with a note that obviously the sizing and everything would have to be approved through the building and park.” The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

The board’s approval is conditional: final mural dimensions, placement and any sign/permit issues must be confirmed with the town’s building and park offices before work begins. The meeting record notes Jim Yorks was absent and had submitted comments; the board indicated those comments were considered in steering the applicant toward preferred designs.

Next steps for the applicant are to submit final scaled drawings and obtain the required building and park approvals. The board did not record a precise vote tally in the minutes beyond the voice approval.