2004-09-02Design Review Board
September 2, 2004
Page 1
CITY OF BEVERLY
Public Meeting Minutes
BOARD: Design Review Board
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: September 2, 2004
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: William Finch, Douglas Haring, Leah Zambernardi
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Colleen Bruce & Jane Brusca
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER: Diane Presutti
Meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m.
1. Staples – 43 Dodge Street/Sign
Mr. Marco Orlando of Carter Burgess and Mr. Ken Hanson of Star Sign approach the
Board with a design of the new Staples sign. They state they have amended the sign as a
result of comments from the last meeting. He states that the sign will measure 5 feet 10
inches in height and 25 feet 10 inches in length with white lettering and a red
background. He states the sign will read "STAPLES" only.
Ms. Zambernardi asks about the background color of the wall. Mr. Orlando states it will
be white. Haring states then that becomes part of your corporate color and is included in
your sign area. Mr. Orlando agrees to make the background color of the wall beige in
color to match the sign band colors in the rest of the plaza. Mr. Haring also states that
the score line surrounding the sign should be the same beige color. He suggests making
the vertical boards flanking the sign white. Mr. Haring and Mr. Orlando make notations
on the appropriate colors for the storefront on the plans.
Mr. Haring motions to approve the sign as noted on the approved drawings, seconded by
Mr. Finch. Motion carries 3-0.
2. CVS – Courtney Nawrot/53 Dodge Street/Sign
Ms. Nawrot presents three signs to the Board, one facing the entrance to the Plaza, one
facing Dodge Street and one facing the new Staples. She states that the Zoning Board
denied her former request and now they have scaled the signs back to conform with
Zoning.
Ms. Zambernardi reads a legal opinion on the Sign Ordinance from City Solicitor Roy
Gelineau.
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September 2, 2004
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Mr. Finch states that signage is allowed when the building is facing different public
streets or roadways. He states it is a stretch to consider the public parking lot a public
way. He states that the elevations facing Dodge Street and the entrance to the Plaza are
within ordinance guidelines but the elevation facing the new Staples is not.
Ms. Zambernardi states that CVS may need a variance for the elevation facing Staples.
She asks Mr. Finch and Mr. Haring if they could support that sign. She states that if
someone enters the Plaza from Hellard Road, they would not be able to see any signage
for CVS. She states that for this reason, it may be appropriate for them to have a sign
there. Mr. Haring states he could support a sign on that elevation if it read "CVS" only.
Ms. Zambernardi states that Councilor-At-Large Bill Coughlin reiterates his sentiments
from the letter he submitted for the record.
Mr. Haring makes a motion to approve three wall signs with the following stipulations.
The first sign will measure 18 inches in height and 12 feet 11 inches in length. It will be
placed on the side of the building facing Dodge Street. The second sign will measure 2
feet in height and 15 feet in length. It will be placed on the side of the building facing the
Plaza entrance. Both signs will have red channel lit lettering reading "CVS/pharmacy"
with no background. The third sign, facing the new Staples, is recommended for
approval based on the consideration that customers traveling onto the site from Hellard
Road would not see the CVS signs as they entered the shopping complex. This sign will
be 2 feet in height and will have red channel lit lettering reading "CVS" only with no
background. Mr. Finch seconds the motion. Discussion on the motion: Zambernardi
notes that this sign may need a variance and that Ms. Nawrot should talk with Building
Commissioner Bob Nelson for a formal determination. Motion carries 3-0.
3. Match Collection – Shannon McNabb/732 Hale Street/Sign
A representative of Signorama and Ms. McNabb approach the Board with sketches of a
sign and awning of white and chocolate brown colors. The sign will be non-illuminated.
Mr. Finch suggests Ms. McNabb uses bolder lettering stating concern for readability with
such narrow lettering.
Mr. Haring asks Ms. McNabb to use antique white to tone down the background a tad.
Mr. Haring motions to approve the signs as presented but makes the suggestion that the
background of the wall sign be off-white in color and that the fonts on both signs be
thickened for readability. Seconded by Finch. Motion carries 3-0.
4. Montserrat College of Art – Amendment of Sign Approval from August meeting
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September 2, 2004
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Dr. Stan Trecker approaches the Board with an amended design for the banner sign. The
sign will no longer be near window and will be longer and more dramatic. The banner
sign will be a "precontraint 502 vinyl banner" made by Astrup.
Mr. Haring motions to amend the last decision to incorporate the changes as presented
tonight, Mr. Finch seconds. Motion carries 3-0.
5. Disucssion on sign control
Ms. Zambernardi states that Ms. Bruce has asked that the Board put off sign control
discussion for a later meeting where she will be present. The Board agrees.
Ms. Zambernardi states that Mr. Nelson did address the sandwich signs throughout the
city. She also states that the handbag store has phone numbers posted.
Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.