CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Community support is growing to save an iconic sign in Charlotte, and it's not the recently removed JFG sign along Interstate 277.

Eyewitness News was the first to report last month about an effort to save the Volkswagen Bug that for decades has sat atop a building at the corner of Freedom Drive and Morehead Street.

The owner wants to turn the building into a new restaurant, but city officials said if that happens, the Bug has to go because it violates a city law against rooftop signs.

“We hope to save it. I think it's a landmark in Charlotte. People recognize it -- it's really one-of-a-kind,” said John Nichols, the building owner.

Last month, the city refused to grant the owners a variance to allow the Bug to stay. They said a time-consuming request for a change in zoning is the next possible solution.