Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, August 13, 1993                   TAG: 9308130450
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SIGN OF PRIDE MAY VIOLATE RULES

So he erected a $1,700 sign in front of the magnet school in Roanoke's Old Southwest neighborhood.

The sign identifies Highland Park as a "Blue Ribbon School of Excellence," one of only two in Virginia to receive that award from the federal government in the past year.

Lensch was so eager to trumpet his school's achievement that he forgot to check with the city to see if he needed permission to put up the sign.

He was unaware of the historic district regulations on signs and other changes to the exterior of buildings in Old Southwest.

So Lensch found himself in an awkward situation Thursday, as he asked the city's Architectural Review Board to allow the school to keep the sign.

"I didn't know that I needed permission. It was an error on my part," Lensch said. "Few schools can brag about such an accomplishment. I think that this will improve property values in the neighborhood."

Joel Richert, speaking for the Old Southwest neighborhood, said the group, too, is proud of the school's achievement. But the residents don't think the sign should remain up longer than one year, she said.

Lensch said he had never thought about how long the sign would remain, but it would probably be three to five years.

Several board members said they don't object to the sign. But they believe it should be moved so it doesn't dominate the front of the building. The sign is on the top of a dirt mound around the school's playground.

Board members said it is too prominent and should blend with the building.

Lensch said he wouldn't object to moving the sign, so long as he can keep it.

In the meantime, the board decided the sign can remain where it is for 60 days, until Lensch can plan to move it.