Mr. Jim Obert addressed City Council on behalf of Element Oakwood, LLC. Before discussing the application, Mr. Obert thanked City Council for the proclamation designating September as “Prostate Cancer Awareness Month”. He shared that he survived prostate cancer after multiple surgeries and radiation treatments. He encouraged participation in the “Zero Prostate Cancer” run/walk at Belterra Park in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 14, 2019. Mr. Obert then provided information about the sign requests. He explained that the proposed signs and locations were developed with the desire to preserve the character of the neighborhood and the condominium development. The proposed identification sign at the entrance of Ascent Circle is much smaller in scale and is an improvement over the existing sign.

Mr. Stephens asked why the monument sign at the intersection is needed.

Mr. Obert shared that with Element Oakwood being located on Old River Trail, there is not as much exposure as there would be if the building was located on Far Hills Avenue. This sign would be used to help people navigate to Element Oakwood.

Mr. Stephens asked for clarification on the Element Oakwood buildings on Old River Trail.

Mr. Obert explained that 300 Old River Trail and 320 Old River Trail are the two condominium building. 300 Old River Trail is close to Far Hills Avenue to the east, and 320 Old River Trail is to the west. 310 Old River Trail is the clubhouse building between the two condominium structures.

City Council did not have any further questions for the Applicant. Mayor Duncan then invited visitors to address City Council.

Cara Kite, 338 Volusia Avenue, shared that in her opinion, the sign at the intersection of Ascent Circle and Old River Trail sticks out and does not fit in with the Oakwood community. People can use GPS and mobile devices to help navigate to the Element Oakwood buildings. If the sign is approved, she recommended a sign design that fits in more with the Oakwood community.

With no other visitors wishing to address City Council, Mayor Duncan closed the public hearing and City Council began their deliberations.

Mr. Stephens shared that he agrees with the Planning Commission’s recommendation. He believes that a sign at the intersection of Ascent Circle and Old River Trail is not necessary when people have the ability to use mobile devices for navigation.

Mayor Duncan explained that mobile navigation devices are not always accurate. These devices have incorrectly guided people to Graeter’s Ice Cream in Centerville instead of his office on Main Street in downtown Dayton.

Mayor Duncan explained that the motion that was introduced is to approve the first three signs, and to deny the last sign located at the intersection of Ascent Circle and Old River Trail. He asked if any councilmembers would like to approve all four signs, or to deny all four signs. Everyone stated no.

There being no further discussion, Mayor Duncan called for a vote on the motion, which was that the preliminary staff findings be adopted, and Application #19-4, for a wall sign placed on the east building; a wall sign placed above the leasing/sales center entrance; and a monument sign located to the right of the entrance/driveway be approved, and that the replacement sign positioned in the island located at the intersection of Ascent Circle and Old River Trail be denied.

Upon call of the roll on the question of the motion, the following vote was recorded:

There being four (4) yea votes and no (0) nay votes thereon, said resolution was declared duly passed and it was so ordered.