April 7. By Dave Vieser. At their Monday April 6 virtual meeting, the Cornelius Town Board agreed to waive existing sign regulations for local businesses as long as the state’s stay-at-home order stays in effect. They are hoping the signage will help the retailers who are experiencing significant losses in traffic.

Normally, retail outlets are not permitted to have signs off premise, but the town is waiving this provision in their local laws.

An example mentioned at the meeting were signs placed on both sides of West Catawba Avenue by Al’s Grill, located in the Publix Shopping Center, stating that they were open for drive through and pick-up meals daily. Normally those signs would need to be removed, but not now.

WASHAM

The commissioners also agreed to allow the signs to be as large as 4 feet by 4 feet, again on a temporary basis.

“These local merchants are really hurting, so we should do everything we can to help them get through this difficult period,” said Mayor Woody Washam.

The mayor has been visiting and buying meals from local restaurants during the COVID-19 crisis. He said the waiver would apply to any local business, not just restaurants.