Mark Wilcox/Daily Mining Gazette Gary Hoensheid returns to his seat after addressing the Houghton Zoning Board of Appeals Wednesday. Hoensheid expressed his opposition to a sign request variance for the installation of an electronic messafe board at 902 College Ave.

HOUGHTON — Prior to the regular meeting of the Houghton City Council Wednesday, the City’s Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing regarding UP State Banks request for a variance for the installation of electronic board sign at 902 College Ave. The bank’s Houghton location is currently under construction at Franklin Square. The ZBA heard from Gary Hoensheid who described himself as an absentee landlord who owns a home at 907 College Ave. directly across the street from the bank location. Hoensheid voiced several concerns including an “unreasonable increase of congestion on College Avenue and causing drivers to be “more distracted.”

Saying that the City as been “generous with UP State Bank” Hoensheid said “I’m not in favor of the sign.”

Jeanne DeClerk, who said she is on the board of a nearby sorority also expressed opposition to the variance request, “We really do not want this,” she said. City Manager Eric Waara read several letters and emails the city has received, all in opposition to the sign. Some opposed an electronic sign saying it goes against the flavor of the City’s historic Downtown. Waara clarified that UP State Bank has not formally applied for a sign, but at this point the issue is a sign request variance.

Following the public hearing, the Zoning Board of Appeals held a regular meeting to act on the variance request. Board Chair, Councilor Mike Needham appreciated those who voiced an opinion on the request. “This is a good chance for the public to see our process,” Needham said. “It is everybody’s right to request a variance.”

Counsilor Craig Waddell introduced a motion Supported by Councilor Jan Cole to deny the request. The denial was passed unanimously.

The only action item on the agenda was the appointment to the Portage Lake District Board. Long time Library Board member Gloria Melton has stepped down. The city received two applications for the vacancy — Allison Neely, an archivist at Michigan Technological University and Kelsey Gross, a local author of children’s books.

In nominating Neely, Waddell mentioned that both candidates were qualified, which was echoed by others. Before a vote was taken, Waddell said “whoever we appoint tonight, it is hoped the other candidate will continue to have a strong interest in serving the City.” The Council unanimously approved Neeley’s appointment.