A seven-story portrait of U.S. Olympic basketball player
Dawn Stanley on a building at Eighth and Market Streets in
Philadelphia lacks the required permits and approvals normally
required for such signs, according to the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER.
There is no record of any application for the sign, which is on a
building owned by the estate of Sam Rappaport. Former Licenses &
Inspections Commissioner Bennet Levin said he was told if the
painting was done without the Nike swoosh, it would be considered
a mural, and not subject to city law. But if the Nike logo was
there, "it would be considered advertising and the estate would
have to apply for a permit." The swoosh is displayed on the
mural. Levin, after seeing the sign, said "they should have
applied for a permit." Nike officials claim confusion, noting
they find it "hard to believe the sign could go up" without city
approval. Nike spokesperson Tom Feuer said they are renting the
side of the building from the estate, adding, "I can't believe we
wouldn't have permission. We don't just go in if there weren't
permits." Current L&I Commissioner Robert Barnett said the city
will cite the Rappaport estate and will hold a hearing in the
fall (Thomas Ferrick, PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 7/21).
