[Winona Online Democracy] Menards was denied a variance for a 100 foot tall sign even though their lawyer pointed our that there are some locations on Hwy 61 where their current sign (the tallest in Winona) is obscured from view by buildings or trees.
Their 68 foot tall sign, which needs to be moved for a new access road, requires a variance even if its height isn't increased. The board of adjustment couldn't remember having granted a variance for it. The lawyer convinced them that they had done so at some point after a public hearing a couple of years ago when a variance had been turned down. Menards gets to keep their current height limit for the relocated sign. One member of the board wanted to rescind the current variance. Menards can appeal the decision before the city council. I think it remains to be seen whether or not the 68 foot height will become the de-facto limit. It depends on whether a precedent has been established that will make it harder to deny others. Wal-Mart will surely want a big sign, and there are other businesses might like to be visible from the highway: Gordie's AMOCO, the Quick Trips on Sarnia and West 5th, and Taco John's and Burger King at the Mall for example. John N. Finn ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message was sent using IMP, the Internet Messaging Program. _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
