On Tuesday, August 1, the Demorest City Council held it’s first of two hearings regarding establishing an updated sign ordinance.
The hearing provided an open public forum for Demorest residents and business owners to express their thoughts and feelings regarding the proposed ordinance. However, not all businesses expressed their approval of the changes. All About Monroe spa owner Lee Emerson expressed concern that his sign would be negatively affected by the ordinance.
Within the past year, Emerson established his business on the Hwy 441 corridor near the hospital. The services he offers include laser hair removal, Botox, and salon treatments. In an effort to boost business, Emerson had a sign erected to promote his business and fellow businesses, such as Sweet Breads and Yonah Coffee. During the hearing, Emerson stated that the sign has brought an increase in sales to his business and the others he advertises for.
However, not all hearing attendees felt the same.
During the previous work session, Emerson noted that Mayor Rick Austin stated the sign was “too bright at night” and that it didn’t follow the previous sign ordinance because of the “animation” it displayed. Emerson responded to the complaint by asking the council to review and update the previous ordinance. This lead the council and city attorney Joey Homans to redesign the first updated sign ordinance since 2008.
Though tensions were high between Emerson and the council, both pledged to “work together” to create a more suitable ordinance.
A second public hearing on the proposed ordinance will be held on August 29, 2017.
