JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — In an effort to promote the arts, the Johns Creek City Council agreed to accommodate murals on private businesses through a policy update.
At the City Council work session Jan. 2, Johns Creek Assistant to the City Manager Olivia Gazda said the city’s current sign ordinance renders murals an “impossible” installation due to all the constraints.
But, there were initial concerns about the city giving businesses free rein.
Councilman Larry DiBiase asked about the guardrails in place that would allow the council to deny offensive mural ideas, proposing that there be a set of criteria that pairs with the policy.
“… There’s so much subjectivity in art that who’s to say I’m right or wrong, or the artist is right or wrong?” DiBiase asked.
City Attorney Richard Corothers said it’s more difficult to regulate content, and Councilwoman Erin Elwood, who practices law, later cautioned against suppressing First Amendment rights.
Referencing the City Council’s walking tour of Greenville, South Carolina, last January, Mayor John Bradberry said the city didn’t have a “stringent set of rules” and that there should be trust in the marketplace.
“… We saw some really, I think, incredible public art, and those business owners were obviously trying to work in their best interest and have a good curb appeal and good, positive rapport with the public,” Bradberry said.
Following consensus, the text amendment is slated for the consent agenda at the next regular City Council meeting.
Gazda also recommended that city staff develop an internal list of pre-approved locations for future public art that evaluates suitability and the appropriate types of art, like whether to install 3D sculptures, murals, or interactive or kinetic art.
She also suggested the need to continue current initiatives and partnerships that have…
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