Delaware Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - February 25, 2026

The Historic Preservation Commission met on February 25, 2026, at 6:32 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included the welcome of new member Tom Watts, election of officers, approval of previous minutes, an informal review of a ghost sign restoration concept, and updates on a certified local government (CLG) grant. No formal votes were taken on the ghost sign project, which remains in concept phase.

Consent Calendar

• The motion summary from the October 29, 2025 meeting was approved. Votes: Bolton abstained, Fagan yes, Smiles abstained, Watts yes, Ryder yes, Chair Rivera yes.

Election of Officers

• Sherry was nominated and elected Chair (unanimous).
• Danny was nominated and elected Vice Chair (unanimous).

Discussion Items

• Ghost Sign Restoration Project (2026-0135): Benjamin Kaster, a political science student at Ohio Wesleyan University and executive of the Historic Downtown Ghost Sign Project, presented a concept plan to restore up to seven ghost signs (historic painted advertisements) along Sandusky Street in the Downtown Historic District. The project aims to reproduce fading signs with a 10-step process developed by building owner Steve Hartman. Co-executive Heather Reese and lead muralist Adam Hernandez (corrected from earlier misstatement) are part of the team. Staff expressed 100% support. Commissioners raised several points: need to consider whether all seven signs should be restored (e.g., one sign reads "Vote Against Prohibition"), maintenance responsibility in perpetuity, funding security before work begins, potential impact on current tenant signage (particularly the beehive sign at 5 East Williams Street on a primary facade), and regulatory distinction between ghost signs and murals. Staff noted that supergraphics (including ghost signs) are currently regulated under the same code as murals, but they cannot regulate content. The commission discussed updating architectural standards to better differentiate ghost signs. The applicant indicated willingness to work with building owners and ensure no negative impact on tenants. The informal review is the first step; each sign will require a separate certificate of appropriateness application.

Key Outcomes

• No formal action was taken on the ghost sign project; it remains in concept phase. Commissioners provided feedback and the applicant will return for a formal review after further development.
• The commission discussed topics to consider in the upcoming architectural standards update, funded by a $25,000 CLG grant from the State Historic Preservation Office/Ohio History Connection. Items include: modern standing seam metal roofs, fence height regulations, uplighting, and clarifying ambiguous terms like "non-garish" colors.
• Next regular meeting is scheduled for March 25, 2026.
• The meeting was adjourned unanimously.