To be located on West North Water Street
By Robert Cloud
The New London Planning Commission approved a mural at 515 W. North Water St.
The mural is basically the word “explore” painted as individual letters across seven wood panels over boarded windows.
Building Inspector Dave Vincent told the commission there is some decay in the wood over the windows.
“Their proposal is to remove that wood, clean up those openings and check all the brick work around it to make sure that it’s intact,” he said.
Vincent showed commissioners two different mock-ups, one with white panels and teal lettering and the other with teal panels and white lettering.
He said the lettering could be a different font or size than the one shown in the examples.
The Wolf River Art League is responsible for the project. Easy Street Bar currently owns the building.
Vincent said they plan to hire a lift in order to avoid damage to the walls or roof.
Liability
Commission member Susie Steingraber asked if the building’s owner had approved the mural and if the city could be held liable for any damage because it approved the mural.
“I don’t think we’re taking on any liability here, just approving the mural itself,” City Administrator Chad Hoerth said. “The means and methods of how they do it, that’s up to them.”
Hoerth compared it to working with a contractor.
Steingraber then asked if the affected business owners were aware that the murals were being done.
“Have they signed anything indicating their permission?” she asked.
“I know the Art League has the form or document that they have the owner of the building sign,” Hoerth said.
Steingraber said she wanted more information on how the business felt about the mural.
“We would have to adjust our ordinance to cover that,” Vincent said. “As it is right now, it’s not required.”
Commission member Jamie Walbruck asked who is paying for the murals.
“Is the Art League paying for the supplies and brick work and all that stuff?” Walbruck asked.
“I think the owner of the building is,” Vincent said.
“Again, not within our scope,” Hoerth said. “Our scope would be the mural itself and are you approving the mural.”
The commission voted unanimously to approve the mural.