07/14/1986 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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She said the Gracens stated that the awnings will be constructed whether or not the name of the market can be on them. She said the wall of the e building is on the property line and the proposed awning would extend four feet over the right-of-way. The name of the market on the awning makes the awning a projecting sign under the Eugene Sign Code. She said 13th Avenue betwe.en Kincaid and Alder streets and the downtown mall are designated the Pedestri an Auto Si gn Di stri ct. Projecting signs are permitted in the Pedestrian Auto Sign District. Ms. McDonald said the proposed awning could be constructed so that a wall sign could be mounted and the awning could be constructed without the lettering which makes it a sign; consequently, any hardship resulting from the denial of the variance is a self-made hardship. Answering questions from Ms. Bascom and Ms. Wooten, Ms. McDonald said some signs in the area do not conform to the Sign Code. She said 11th and 13th Avenues were designated different sign code districts because 13th Avenue had more pedestrian traffic. She said the Gracens were told they could apply for a sign district boundary change to the Pedestrian Auto Sign District. She sa i d property owners, not the Ci ty, should seek sign district changes. She said the building owner has not said anything to the City about a wall sign. Mayor Obie opened the public hearing. Thomas Beaurline, 70 Grimes Street, said James and Belinda Gracen leased half of the first floor at the corner of 11th Avenue and Alder Street for a convenience food market for the University area. He said the building has e been an eyesore on the block but interior alterations and exterior painting are being done. Mr. Beaur1ine said the proposed awning would revitalize the corner and protect people from the sun and rain. The awning would be illuminated at night and would have small lettering on it. He said a hardship will be created if the Gracens cannot have an illuminated sign. He sa i d the building owner will not allow an electric sign on the building but it would be hard to see anyway. He said many establishments within two blocks of the Alder Street Market have awnings with signs on them so the proposed awn i ng wi 11 not look out of place. He urged approval of the appeal because it would beautify Eugene and promote business. He submitted a photograph to the council. Sy Zeer, 2716 Harris, represented Sy's Pizza which is in the neighborhood. He urged approval of the variance. He said his business needs a new awning becau se the old one is falling apart. He said the City will allow businesses to invest in awnings and businesses need to put lettering on them. He said the Alder Street neighborhood is a valuable part of the community and lettering on awnings which are approved by the City should be permitted there. He said Vancouver, British Columbia, has many beautiful awnings with graphics. He said awnings protect people from the rain and identify businesses. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 14, 1986 Page 8 ::\.