Commission approves Flying Dolly's signage and patio fencing pending final drawings

The Abita Springs Historic Commission on July 14 approved an application for new signage, awning treatments and a small fenced patio for Flying Dolly's, a proposed ice-cream and snowball shop on Main Street, but required final placement drawings before the main mounted sign is installed.

The applicant told the commission the mounted sign over the awning may not be feasible if it must be drilled into the roof, and said a wall-mounted alternative on the right side of the entrance may be used instead. The applicant also proposed a horizontal cedar fence to corral children on the front patio, with a gate facing the parking lot.

Commissioners and staff pressed for precise documentation. "I don't think we can approve it until you just show exactly where it's going," the chair said, and a commissioner moved to approve the application "as drawn, subject to a follow-up drawing showing the precise alignment of the fence and the precise location and appearance of the main sign." The motion was seconded and the commission voted in favor.

The commission clarified that lighting for the sign would not be part of this submission; the applicant said there is no power to illuminate the awning-mounted sign and that canopy lighting will be limited to recessed ceiling cans under the canopy. The commission also asked for a final plan showing how the proposed fence would align with the building columns and whether the fence connects back to the building.

Next steps: the applicant will submit a final sketch and measurements for staff review so the applicant does not have to return to a subsequent commission meeting for final placement approval. The chair assigned follow-up to staff member Andre.