The Minneapolis Planning Commission passed a motion continuing the public hearing regarding the proposal to revise the regulation of off-premises signs and billboards, and to expand the Downtown Entertainment Billboard District until their January 22, meeting.
At last night’s meeting, Steve Poor reviewed his staff report and summarized the latest version of the proposed ordinance. The current draft extends the Downtown Entertainment Billboard District further west to Portland Avenue. He did not explain or provide rationale for this decision. The current draft also permits wall signs on buildings along Hennepin and Washington Avenues. He stated that the building wall signs could be lit or dynamic in nature (not just painted signs), and that the intent was “a robust build-out of off-premises signs.” You can review his entire staff report via the link below:
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/www/groups/public/@cped/documents/webcontent/wcmsp-207587.pdf
DMNA Board Chair Joe Tamburino, Board Member Dianne Walsh and Land Use Committee Member Tom Schmid provided testimony on behalf of the DMNA. Elliot Park Neighborhood, Inc. Executive Director Lynn Regnier also submitted testimony.
The DMNA Board meets next week on Tuesday, January 16, at 5:45 p.m., at the Mill City Museum. The board will allow time on the agenda for the billboard issue and for residents to offer comment. Third Ward Council Member Steve Fletcher, Sixth Ward Council Member Warsame and CPED Development Director / Zoning Administrator Steve Poor have been invited to the meeting. At this point, none of them have confirmed that they will attend.