The placement of a large mural on the side of Valley Middle School was approved by the Grand Forks Planning and Zoning Commission last night – but barely. Current city code does not allow murals in residential zones.
A request to amend the code has been kicked back and forth between the P-and Z and city council to allow public comment on the plan.Supporters note that the Lewis & Clark School has had a mural for years. They say students would be involved in the art project and a potential grant would cover the cost.
P & Z’s Andrew Budke says he supports the idea. “This does not feel to me like we are opening the door wide open on this. I feel like maybe a crack in the door to a very small number of walls in the city.”
Commission member Meggen Sande says the school district has an opportunity to integrate a new building into the neighborhood without painting something on the side of it.
The commission approved an amended motion that requires public schools seeking murals to come before the P & Z and city council on a case by case basis. Conditions for approval would include size… location…and a maintenance plan.
The motion was approved on a 5-4 vote. The city council will review the recommendation on June 19th.
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