Surdyk's bid for a new liquor store sign is denied

Updated: November 1, 2011 - 5:34 AM

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It appears the Surdyk's sign is here to stay.

After two hearings regarding the 77-year-old Minneapolis liquor store's request to install a large new electronic sign, the City Planning Commission put the final kibosh on the idea Monday afternoon.

Surdyk's originally wanted to install a 262-foot-square sign above its entrance, which would have been eight times larger than the 32 square feet allowed. Surdyk's came back Monday with a proposal for an 80-square-foot electronic sign, but that also was denied.

"I have to compete with people, like, out at St. Louis Park," said Surdyk's president Jim Surdyk. "All that new development that's out there. I have to be ahead of the curve."

City planning staff said the original 262-square-foot proposal "would not only be a distraction for passing motorists, but would also set a precedent for businesses desiring large dynamic signs."

The local neighborhood group, Nicollet Island - East Bank Neighborhood Association, opposed the sign. "If you grant a sign here ... will every other liquor store be coming in saying 'You gave Surdyk's competitive advantage, we want a big sign, too'? I think the answer is yes," said Barry Clegg, vice president of the association.

Council Member Gary Schiff said Surdyk's current sign, featuring vintage 1970s lettering, is "iconic." "I'm surprised you want to get rid of it," he said.

ERIC ROPER