CONOVER, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- A mural in downtown Conover is causing controversy. While it's bringing visitors to the area, the city says the artwork must come down.
The mural at 103 1st Ave. S. doesn’t have a name.
“That is just a pure piece for people to look at to get them out of here, give them something to dream about,” said Justin Barringer.
Barringer helped design the mural.
“The idea behind it is that we are not separate from nature, but we are nature,” said Barringer.
He’s about to open a wellness center inside the building.
“My family and I are pouring everything we have into it, and it’s a make-or-break thing for us.
But before Barringer can get that started, his decision to have an artist paint the mural created chaos in Conover.
“The code enforcement officer suggested that the artist get down, and he just continued painting,” said Barringer. “I was told that the city council was very angry that we proceeded so they said to use any means necessary to make it stop.”
The city sent him a notice.
They say the reason is black and white.
“What they were trying to say is that it violates the downtown color palette for the base wall color,” said Barringer.
The city says murals must follow its sign ordinances and color restrictions.
“I feel like it’s a violation of the First Amendment, freedom of expression, so it’s very frustrating.
The artwork is finished, but its story is still being written.
“Friday at midnight, Independence Day at midnight, is when we have to have this covered up. How’s that for freedom?” asked Barringer.
If Barringer doesn’t remove the mural, he’ll have to pay $50 a day, and after 14 days, the city can take the artwork down, put a lien on the property for the cost of removal, and not allow Barringer to open his business, but he says he’s not backing down.
“It creates a greater fire from within to continue moving forward,” said Barringer.
The City of Conover sent Queen City News the following statement:
We understand there is a lot of information circulating online about the recently painted mural in downtown Conover.
In April of this year, the city was approached about putting a mural on a wall downtown.While Conover does not currently have a formal mural approval process, murals are subject to the City's sign ordinance and color restrictions, which limits how such artwork can be reviewed and permitted. The City advised the business owner not to proceed with the mural under these constraints, as doing so could create significant challenges for both the artist’s work and code compliance. The City’s position that the mural would violate the existing ordinances was clearly communicated on several occasions and months in advance of the mural being painted.
In the weeks that followed the initial request, the business owner met multiple times with City officials, who consistently reiterated that no formal mural approval process existed. Still, the City expressed a clear willingness to find a path forward through transparent communication from all parties. City officials also shared with the business owner that the City was actively working on new zoning rules and exploring a formal and transparent policy for murals and public art; envisioning a policy like those in nearby communities that are rooted in collaboration and community input.
Each meeting ended with the impression that mutual understanding had been reached, and city officials were surprised when the mural work began.
Moving forward with the mural despite repeated and clear advice that it would violate City ordinances puts the City in a difficult position where enforcement was necessary to remain fair and consistent. These ordinances reflect standards that have been shaped by and for the Conover community. The City of Conover fully supports the arts, creativity, and innovation, but also recognizes that public art must be rooted in collaboration and community input.
We have refrained from participating in narratives that pit a local business against the very community it operates within. It is not the City’s practice, nor will it ever be, to bring negative attention to a local business, especially before it even opens its doors. While we understand that criticism comes with public service, our responsibility remains focused on running the City effectively and serving all members of our community with fairness and respect.
We are currently communicating with the business trying to reach a resolution in this matter.
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