The Historic Preservation Commission tabled July 7 a request for a certificate of appropriateness for a new sign for Beauty by Laura at 108 West Wentz Street, asking the applicant to clarify the proposed materials.

A staff member said the storefront most recently housed a floral shop and that the application describes "a weatherproof vinyl sign with a wood border on the top." The staff member added that the existing vinyl banner is not a permanent downtown sign and said, "a vinyl banner is not appropriate sign permanent, signage for the downtown area." Commissioners asked whether the applicant intended a rigid substrate with vinyl lettering, a vinyl print on rigid backing, or a framed printed vinyl banner; staff and commissioners agreed the material matters for whether approval should be granted.

One commissioner said they had no objection to the design if the material will be a permanent substrate; another commissioner requested clearer material specifications be provided. After discussion, the commission voted to table the application to the August meeting and asked staff to request specific details and drawings about substrate, framing and installation method before reconsideration.

The roll call reflected unanimous support to table; staff said they would work with the applicant to secure material details and bring the item back for formal action at the next meeting.