Commission bars permanent vinyl banner at 1614 11th Street

The Monroe Historic Preservation Commission voted to disallow a permanent vinyl banner at 1614 11th Street after commissioners said the material and banner style would undermine the historic downtown’s appearance. The applicant requested a 24-foot vinyl sign; staff and members discussed temporary alternatives and window-lettering options.

"Vinyl signs are cheap, and they do kind of cheapen the aesthetics of the historic downtown of Monroe, and I would prefer not to see banner signs downtown," said Chair (S2) as the commission debated the request. Staff (Hillary / S4) noted temporary signs are permitted two times per year, and commissioners suggested the applicant could use window stickers or a smaller vinyl display placed under the district limits.

Commissioner (S6) moved to deny using the vinyl banner as a permanent sign; Chair (S2) seconded and the motion passed. Commissioners asked staff to follow up with the applicant, Judy Pink, with options and guidance and to confirm which temporary sign periods the applicant might use.

The decision leaves open short-term, code-compliant temporary signage but rejects the application as presented. Staff will record the outcome in the Certificate of Appropriateness file and notify the applicant.