Council Denies Cronin Ford's Request to Keep Oversized Banner Signs

Middletown ' Jan. 7, 2026 ' The Middletown City Council voted unanimously to deny an area-variance request from Cronin Ford that would have allowed banner signs larger than the 24-square-foot limit at the dealership on North Verity Parkway.

Council and staff discussed whether temporary flags or special-event signage could be permitted and clarified that the sign code allows certain temporary signs but does not exempt oversized commercial banners without a permit. A city staff member noted the code distinguishes signs by category and that some flags are exceptions but that larger commercial banners remain regulated.

Public comment included remarks that the banners were "tastefully done," and that Cronin Ford is the city's only new-car dealer, but council members questioned the necessity of oversized banners and whether the variance criteria were met. The chair said he could not find that the application satisfied the area-variance standards.

A motion to deny the variance passed on a roll-call vote: Dave Cash, Jerry Heinrich, Gary Gross, Tom Evans and Corey Carter voted to deny, 5-0. The council did not provide conditions or remand for a reduced-size permit; staff noted the code allows temporary signage with permits and that code enforcement may follow up on signs in the right-of-way.

What happens next: Cronin Ford may pursue permitted temporary signage options or apply again with a revised proposal that conforms to the size limits or the temporary-sign rules described by staff.