Unisys skyscraper sign gets public hearing tomorrow

Unisys Corp. and high-rise residents of Two Liberty Place will continue their argument at a hearing tomorrow over whether the company can put its logo in large red letters near the top of the Center City building.

The hearing at Philadelphia's Zoning Board of Adjustment, 1515 Arch St., will begin at 9 a.m.

It follows a July 23 hearing that was so contentious that the board had to schedule another one so everyone could be heard. The battle pits Unisys, which plans to move its headquarters from Blue Bell to Two Liberty next year, against owners of luxury condominiums in the building.

Unisys said that the logo - in 11-foot-high letters that would glow at night from the 38th and 39th floors - would boost its name recognition and that the company might "reevaluate" its plans if barred from hanging the sign.

Residents have complained that the sign would mar Philadelphia's skyline and lower their property values.

The follow-up hearing was confirmed by the board chairwoman, Susan Jaffe, even though it did not appear on an agenda for Thursday's meeting posted yesterday on the board's Web site, http:// webapps.phila.gov/li.

Officials originally had said the follow-up hearing would be held in September.