Planning Commission Focuses on Signs

Talk at Thursday night’s Planning Commission meeting was all about signs. It might not seem like much, but sign regulation keeps a consistent city appearance. Business ran smoothly, and most items were approved.

The meeting began by addressing Motorcars Rainforest Car Wash’s potential signs for their new 8199 Brecksville Rd. location.

Planning Commission members discussed cutting back on sign colors that would decorate the car wash’s property. Code allows for up to four colors, while proposed Rainforest signs have eight. Too busy of signs can deviate from the typical city theme.

Mike Harwood, Kirk Roman and Phil Badalamenti suggested changes to incorporate the many logos and colors into one simpler sign. But Brad Parish, an architect working with the car wash, and Jay Keffer, franchise owner, pointed out the importance of each logo – Motorcars’ flags and Rainforest Car Wash’s parrot.

After discussion, the commission voted to approve parameters for a Rainforest Car Wash ground sign and wall sign.

In other news, Kids Green Valley Early Learning Center will lease a facility at 4949 W. Snowville Rd. in place of a previous day care, Bright Horizons.

“It’s state of the art,” said consultant Rebecca Webb about the leased space. “It’s a very nice facility. Nothing has to be done.”

Owner Rose Marinescu owns a similar center in North Olmsted that keeps hours of 5:30 a.m. to midnight, which is sparked a concern among commission members. That and other issues will be discussed at the public hearing the Planning Commission voted to approve the learning center for.