SIGN OF THE TIMES

Votes unanimously to create Black Lives Matter tribute on Swede Street

NORRISTOWN » The decision to create a Black Lives Matter art installation created quite a number of conflicting opinions during Wednesday night’s Norristown Municipal Council meeting.

“We’re gonna move forward, and we’re gonna keep moving Norristown forward, unapologetically when we have a social class of Black folks that are down, and out, and tired, and this is 2020,” said President Derrick Perry. “We shouldn’t be talking about this.”

Perry initially suggested having a local artist work on the project, which would be located downtown on Swede Street between the Montgomery County Courthouse and One Montgomery Plaza, according to the resolution. Work is anticipated to begin in October.

However, there could be some

potential procedural obstacles associated with the project, according to the resolution.

“If you commission an actual mural, you would need to grant yourself a conditional use permit because of the artwork involved; If you decide to have Black Lives Matter painted, no conditional use permit is required,” the resolution states.

Additionally, Municipal Administrator Crandall Jones contacted Montgomery County Board of Commissioners’ Vice Chairman Ken Lawrence, Jr. and Chief Operating Officer Lee Soltizyak about the matter as there is current construction and road closures in the area.

The Memorial Day death of George Floyd, an unarmed African-American man, at the hands

MEDIANEWS GROUP PHOTO The potential site for an art installation, perhaps on the street, Swede Street between Airy and Main streets with the courthouse on the left and One Montgomery Plaza on the right.

MEDIANEWS GROUP PHOTO Swede Street, between Airy and Main streets, is the potential location for a Black Lives Matter art installation.