City Council Agenda and Packet 2017 11 28

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City Council Meeting Minutes November 6, 2017 Page 10 of 17 Councilmember Keany stated there is nostalgia with the Blue Parrot sign and he was disappointed to see it change but recognizes the new owners and new use of the building. He noted the Empire sign retained its style and shape. He supports the recommendation of the HPC but prefers a more stylized historic looking sign than what is presented. He wondered if the face is replaced; could it be donated to the museum. Councilmember Loo asked if the owners want to preserve the sign. Mr. Oberholzer stated as new owners of the building, they don't have the rights to the name, so they can't continue to use the sign. He noted if they can save the face, they would be happy to donate it. Councilmember Stolzmann stated if what is wanted is to have a neon sign at that corner, then it needs to be designated historic to save the shape, size and neon. There is value to designating it as historic if we want to keep it. Councilmember Leh felt this was a hard decision. He reviewed the architectural and social significance criteria as presented in the packet. Council is bound by those criteria so we need to review carefully. He deeply appreciates the effort to maintain some of the look and feel of the sign at that corner and its significance to the city. He found it difficult to see how it met either the architectural or social criteria. Reluctantly he will vote no. Mike Deborski, 601 Pine Street, said he struggles with funding the stripping away of the heritage of Louisville and felt maintaining the core of the sign is not enough. He had offered to buy the sign and store it and felt the City shouldn't subsidize the stripping of our heritage. He thought the proposal was taking away the essence of what the sign is and the heritage it represents. Greg Maring noted many have offered to buy this sign. He realizes they are limited to having to save the shape, size, and color. If they as owners could put in a new sign with the same character they are happy to have that conversation. Councilmember Keany asked if there was a way to allow a new sign that mimics the old sign. Director Zuccaro said there are two options in the code; landmarking and iconic signs. Current regulations contemplate reuse of existing signs. He said a possible option would be to apply for a variance which has not been evaluated. Councilmember Keany asked the applicants if it would be possible to continue the item to allow time to find alternatives. Councilmember Stolzmann stated Councilmember Leh convinced her it doesn't meet the criteria of an historic sign. 37