The "Made in Oregon" sign saga will continue over summer as everyone involved tries to reach another compromise.

The Historic Landmark Commission on Monday delayed a final decision on the case until Sept. 14. In a preliminary decision two weeks ago, the landmarks group rejected a compromise worked out between the University of Oregon and Portland Commissioner Randy Leonard. Members objected to a part of the deal that would allow a big neon "O" on a water tower near the sign.

The UO leases the building under the "Made in Oregon" sign and originally wanted it to read "University of Oregon" but settled for "Oregon" and the water tower "O".

At the hearing earlier this month, the sign owner and the university turned down a suggestion to separate the issues to allow approval of the "Made in Oregon" sign while hashing out a deal on the "O" -- instead, they chose to bank on appealing the case to the five-member City Council.

But the prospects of a successful appeal changed when Leonard indicated he wouldn't vote because he was involved in crafting the original compromise.

Now UO wants more time to find a solution.



-- James Mayer: jimmayer@news.oregonian.com

