CC PACKET 07261983 - Laserfiche WebLink

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a: -8- When asked what hardship he believes he would experience if the ordin- ance were adhered to, Mr. Everson responded that he had noticed trees • had obstructed the view of his building as he approached the center from the industrial park to the east and several of the tradesmen who . had remodeled the building for, the' school had reported they had a-hard time finding the school in- its new location. He told Com- missioner Jones the center cares for children from as far away as Columbia Heights and Roseville and some sort of identification is necessary to aid those who bring them to school to find the school . He also indicated the signage is necessary to identify the school to potential students . However, he admitted that most of -the children - are not really drop ins , but are required to attend the school for at least from six to eight hours a week. The center president said his wife had signed the petition for the variance and would have copies of the signage which they might request if they were not permitted to utilize the existing sign. He then showed the Commission members pictures of a similar sign a competitor in the Southdale Shopping Center. When Commissioner Bjorklund indicated he perceived other merchants in the same center operate successfully without this type of signage, Mr. Everson questioned the term "successfully" . Chair Makowske noted that this would be a lighted sign and told Mr . Everson other schools in the area have indicated no need for this type of signage to attract potential students who should have no -trouble • finding the school in that large shopping center . Commissioners Zawislak and Jones both perceived that the playground outside the building along side Highway 88 should serve as an immediate identification of the activity carried on within the building . Commissioners Bowerman and Wagner indicated they didn ' t deny the center needed some identification , but doubted the .school ' s situation was so much more unique than the other businesses in the same center that it required as much signage as was requested. Commissioner Jones agreed, saying he could see no reason why a shcool should require more identification than a commercial store since "yo.0 don' t pick a school in impulse as you do a pair of shoes" . At 10 :10 P.M. , the hearing was closed at which time Commissioner Bjorklund revealed that he has on occasion worked for Mr. Everson and Commissioner Zawislak indicated his daughter was employed by the center, which they perceived could appear to present a possible con- flict of interest for them both . Motion by -Commissioner Bowerman and seconded by Commissioner Wagner to recommend Council denial of the petition for a variance to the Sign Ordinance which would permit the LaPepinier Montessori School and Day . .Care- Center to be identified by substituting the two sided sign they . ,propose: .for .the existing "Bank" -sign on the fifteen foot pylon sign • - 'in -front of the building they rent at 2620 Highway 88, finding that: