Cape Canaveral review board questions bright mural proposed for Blaze Smoke Shop

Community and economic development staff recommended the board approve a Level 2 application to repaint an existing commercial building at 6992 North Atlantic with a mural, but several board members said the proposed colors are too bright and urged revisions.

Staff introduced the application and review criteria, saying the CAB must review exterior building and roof colors for nonresidential development in the C 1 zoning district and that "staff is supportive of the criteria and finds that the application does meet the criteria," but acknowledged the palette appears to meet the definition of "bright and brilliant." The staff speaker also said the board has discretion to ask for more muted colors or a different design.

Adam Aman, owner of Blaze Smoke Shop, told the board he and his artist had renovated the property and described the mural as an improvement and a tourist attraction: "We beautified the whole property... It's a tourist attraction," Aman said. The artist, David Rothman, was present and the applicant displayed sample work.

Board members repeatedly raised concerns about color and community character. One board member (S2) said the design "looks like a billboard" and that the palette was "the antithesis" of the city's vision to "embrace its small town feel and enhance the beauty and integrity of its natural environment." Staff responded that the design as shown likely meets the written standard for "bright and brilliant" and that the board may request changes, including using bright colors only as accents rather than as a primary base.

Aman asked whether a red base would be acceptable given other nearby properties use red; the board and staff advised revisions could reduce the billboard effect and suggested starting with a red accent rather than a full red base. Staff also said it could communicate concerns to code enforcement if needed.

The transcript does not record a formal final vote on the mural application or a formal condition requiring redesign. The record shows staff recommendation and discussion of possible revisions; the applicant was permitted to present samples and discuss revisions before the board concluded the item.