COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – On a 5-0 vote Wednesday, the Coldwater Zoning Board of Appeals turned down a pair of sign variance requests from the Quality Inn and Suites.
The owners of the hotel at 599 East Chicago were seeking a 473 square foot variance to maintain 673 square feet of total site signage, as well as a 210 square foot variance for a 480 square foot sign on a 1,800 square foot facade.
Quality Inn General Manager Abe Abdullah said they had installed a banner on the side of the hotel facing I-69 in order to attract the attention of guests since the building is back from U.S. 12 and is difficult to find.
Planning Director Dean Walrack said in his report to the Z.B.A. that the granting of the variances was not justified for several reasons. Walrack added the sign may present a distraction to drivers as far away as Willowbrook Road or North Drive.
He said the applicant may be better served to seek advertising on a billboard next to I-69, which would comply with the city zoning ordinance.
