Commission approves signage COA but tables facade-improvement grant for 202 West Washington

The Charles Town Historic Landmarks Commission voted to approve the certificate of appropriateness for proposed signage at 202 West Washington Street but simultaneously tabled the accompanying facade improvement grant application pending a review of the grant’s purpose and language.

City staff described the proposal as a wall sign (top sign 2 feet by 8 feet, 1-inch depth) made initially from high-density urethane. Staff presented two contractor quotes — Davis Designs for $3,103 and Fast Signs for $18,515 — and said the city’s FIP fund had $23,662.26 available; the program covers 50% of a project match up to $5,000. "My recommendation is for approval, subject to changing the material from that high density urethane to something that is more historically appropriate, such as wood, metal, or, even hardipline," James told the commission.

Levi, the applicant, identified himself as representing Sustain, a downtown wellness business, and asked whether a required change in material would force the applicant to return to the commission. James said the commission could approve the COA subject to a materials condition and staff would verify the final sign material before releasing funds.

Commissioner Diane moved to table the grant application indefinitely and urged the commission to restrict acceptance of future FIP applications for signage until the program language is reviewed; she argued the facade improvement grant was conceived to preserve building fabric rather than subsidize advertising. "I don't think that this is the intent for the facade improvement grant to subsidize signage," Diane said. Other commissioners noted that current grant language lists non-illuminated compatible signs as an eligible project, and appeals are possible through city council. After procedural votes and an initial failed tabling motion, the commission ultimately approved the COA for the sign (materials must meet design standards) and passed a motion to table the FIP application as applied.

Staff advised the applicant they could appeal the commission’s grant decision to city council; James offered to prepare an action report for council review.