The big deal tonight at the Woodstock City Council was whether the new Merlin muffler shop would get approval for its south-facing sign at its new Woodstock location. The new store will be opening on Davis Street, just east of Route 47, between the Mobil station and the Super 8 motel.
Merlin had asked for approval of a variance to allow it to install a sign on the south side of its building that didn't quite squeak through the UDC; you know, that ominous, you'd-better-line-up Uniform Development Code.
The new business, operating in a business area, wanted a sign that was to be installed higher than the UDC allowed and above landscaping that would be installed, rather than leaving an ugly (sorry, Merlin), plain, unadorned wall of a building. Kudos to them. This was the only agenda item to be discussed tonight, so the City fathers (and mothers) weighed in on the issue and, after lengthy discussion, voted in favor of the business's request.
CuppyCoffee had not been so lucky with its sign request, but hopefully the City will recognize the need of a business to have a tasteful advertising sign where the public can see it. Drivers may not stop the first time or the second time, or even a third time passing, but they do become familiar with there being a new business there. In the case of Merlin, when you need a muffler, you'll head on over there.
Coffee or smoothie? The same thing. The more often you pass the business and see its sign, even if only out of the corner of your eye, you know it's there. And a business needs signs to attract customers.
Councilman R.B. Thompson asked about Grace Hall, and City Manager Tim Clifton responded that Woodstock Christian Life Services (WCLS) hasn't directly asked yet for a place on the City Council's agenda. Tentatively, time is reserved on the August 19th Agenda, but it's only tentative.
After the meeting I was asked whether demolition had started yet on Grace Hall. After all, WCLS does own it. Would they need the City's permission to tear it down? Is there any chance that they might just go ahead with plans to knock it down and not even ask the City for permission?
What's that old saying? "It's easier to get forgiveness than it is to get permission." (Woodstock has had a little practice with that one, if you remember the Waverly House issue.) If they made a big enough hole in it on the first day, before anyone could get to a judge and get an order to stop demolition, then they'd "have to" go ahead and knock it down. Right? Is anyone watching for cranes and bulldozers? Would they pull a Dick Daley stunt like killing Meigs Field in the middle of the night?
© 2008 GUS PHILPOTT
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2 comments:
why u making such a big deal about a sign? arent you the one that states the law(ordinance) is the law,and should be enforced word for word? it seems the only time when the law doesnt apply to u is when u get caught with ur "pants" down. ie the headlight incident. by the way what is wrong with the waverly house? the building looks great.i commend the owner for investing in HIS building and HIS business. it takes courage to do what he is doing giving the current economic conditions. gus when u take ur life savings and invest in a business take a big risk. have u ever done that? i would believe u haven't. and having a home based business DOES NOT COUNT! i would pay to see u open a business up that way i can "STALK" you
yours truly, your nemisis
The current economic conditions mean little or nothing to a project that started about five years ago. Is he ever going to open that place? Mom and Dad have to wonder where their money is going.
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