The Historical Preservation Commission's Dec. 15 meeting became a lengthy and rancorous when Third Street Tae Kwon Do school owner Lee Arnold and a small coterie of friends confronted members about storefront signage.

Arnold and his students had installed a large, angled sign several months ago to attract attention they were otherwise unable to get hidden behind trees on a busy section of downtown road. But they hadn't passed the alteration by zoning and the historic commission members had a number of problems with the size, color, angle, letter shape and positioning, and the height of the new sign.

Commission member and architect Christine Ussler began with a reading of the perceived historical deviations and suggestions passed along to Arnold during previous discussions. The visitors' ire was immediate, and their frustration was matched by Ussler and commmission member Beth Starbuck's impatience. Within minutes the parties were shouting at each other.

Arnold and friends contended they were simply unaware of the ordinances and that their efforts to improve business should not be stymied by a board of unelected individuals who appeared to share a single, biased opinion.

Starbuck retorted emphatically, "We are charged with preserving the historical integrity of the area."

Arnold described the challenges of his business and location – namely younger passersby displaying their enthusiasm for martial arts by punching in his windows and shouting epithets in the door – and that the size and shape of the new sign is safe and has improved business.

Arguing strenuously on Arnold's behalf was Leanne Powell. "The angle of the sign has been a big help and you tell us, 'Change it back; you don't know it will work.' It HAS worked."

With mounting tensions and neither side budging, Starbuck announced she was tired of the endlessly roundabout hassle and simply wanted to go home. Implying that staying longer would be a waste of her time, she said, "This is my life." Arnold bit back, "This is my business!"

Vexation and antipathy dragged on. It was finally suggested that modifications be made to the sign and it be raised to a height within ordinance tolerance – and remain angled despite Ussler's repeated proclamation of that shape as inappropriate.

The committee eventually agreed to let Arnold consult with some Lehigh University engineering students, who are also students of his, and return with a design in March. The committee agreed to this on the basis of the small "pent" roof causing signage problems and they remain unwilling to set a precedent for other businesses installing similar signs.