After receiving an unfavorable motion for a variance from the St. Leon Planning and Zoning Board Dec. 3, Tab Weaver, L & W Outdoor Advertising, Inc., Greenfield, asked St. Leon Town Council members Jan. 5 to appeal this decision.

Weaver would like to remove four old sign structures and rebuild two of them on the Antoinette Hiltz property, about a mile west of State Road 1 on the south side of Interstate 74.

“We found there is a need in this area for unified sign structure .... It will look much nicer.” There will also be “an added sales potential for businesses should they be advertising in the St. Leon area .... (and) hopefully, it will help pull traffic off the interstate,” he noted.

“We’ve worked with Mrs. Hiltz, and she welcomes ... the extra income of the signage.” Prior to the December meeting, “we had 25 certified mailings” sent to surrounding property owners, “and there were no remonstrances.”

If the variance is granted, “We will get a state permit (for the 12-by-40 feet signs) from the Indiana Department of Transportation .… and the county permit from Dearborn County … The new type of structures are certified by state engineers” and can withstand up to 93 mph winds.

Weaver added, “I felt I had not given the planning commission sufficient knowledge. I didn’t’ explain it very well …. That may have been part of the reason we got negative feedback …. We respectfully ask that you would approve our request.”

Member Andy Bischoff remarked, “I think it’s kind of a no-brainer .… This new style looks a lot nicer than the old things.”

Member Jerry Stenger agreed, saying, “They’re a lot more pleasing to the eye.”

The motion to move forward with the variance process passed unanimously.

Diane Raver can be contacted at 812-934-4343, Ext. 114; or diane.raver@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com.