University Education Professor McKay Sohlberg withdrew her appeal of a decision by the City of Eugene to grant a permit for the 816-square-foot “O” at Autzen Stadium. The University will continue to pursue a variance permit almost two years after it put up the sign without asking for an exception to city code.
In fall 2007, students may have been surprised when they tuned in to watch ESPN Game Day and saw a new yellow “O” adorning the front of Autzen.
Regardless of the swift addition, little was said about the “O” until Sohlberg filed a complaint against the University in spring 2008. The sign had been attached to the south side of Autzen without the University obtaining a permit and was eight times larger than the city’s code allowed.
“I think the Autzen ‘O’ is a good sign. I feel bad if it destructs the view of some people, but it is part of Eugene and people shouldn’t have a problem with a sign of the University,” junior Erin Funkhouser said.
When the complaint was made, City Planning and Development Director Mike McKerrow said he discussed various permit options with the University.
“We advised that the University apply for a variance permit and they agreed,” he said. Because Sohlberg has revoked her appeal of the city’s decision, the University is now free to attain a variance permit.
The permit will cost $548 in addition to $1,900 in building permit penalties.
McKerrow said he didn’t know why the University didn’t apply for a permit in the first place.
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Autzen sign permit to be granted; appeal withdrawn
Daily Emerald
May 14, 2009
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