Planning commission halts Surdyk's sign idea

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 their entrance, which would have been eight times larger than the 32 square feet they are allowed. They came back Monday with a proposal for an 80-square-foot electronic sign, coupled with an analog one, but that was also 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 on the basis of the precedent.

"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..

"It's a precedent which in my opinion will result in exactly what Mr. Klegg spoke of, that every other liquor store in town will come in and ask for that same kind of favoritism," said commissioner Dan Cohen.

Councilmember Gary Schiff noted that Surdyk's current sign, which features vintage 70s lettering, is "iconic."

"I'm surprised you want to get rid of it," Schiff said of the sign (below).