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2002-11-07Design Review Board Meeting Minutes – November 7, 2002 Page 1 CITY OF BEVERLY Public Meeting Minutes BOARD: Design Review Board SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: November 7, 2002 BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: William Finch, Douglas Haring & Leah Zambernardi BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Margaret O’Brien, Jennifer Palardy OTHERS PRESENT: RECORDER: Diane Presutti Ms. Zambernardi calls the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. 1. Mobil - Michael Benoit/M. Fazio/455 Essex Street/Sign Michael Benoit & Christopher Riley of Community Service Stations, Inc., and Mr. Fazio, owner of Mobil at 455 Essex Street address the Board regarding the canopy fascia. Mr. Benoit addressed the Board on September 5, 2002, which resulted in a continuation of their application. Mr. Benoit briefs the Board explaining that changing the fascia is an image upgrade. He also explains that this location does not have a freestanding sign. He continues that they wish to change the existing white fascia to blue on three visible sides and wishes to have internal illumination. Mr. Benoit also explains that George’s Service Station on Essex Street has an illuminated canopy and a freestanding sign. Mr. Riley explains to the Board that the Exxon station and the Mobil station on 1A have both upgraded their images based on colors. He also states that all stations in Beverly have followed the corporate symbols. Mr. Haring states that the existing Mobile illuminated signs are enough. Mr. Finch explains that the owner of George’s Service Station is in violation of a decision of the DRB that the fascia not be lit and the Board will recommend to Mr. Brennan that a letter stating such be sent. He also explains that they don’t base their decision on the basis Design Review Board Meeting Minutes – November 7, 2002 Page 2 of a violation. Mr. Finch also explains that Beverly upholds basic principles. He continues that illuminated canopies in residential neighborhoods will impact the neighbors. He explains that some situations in Beverly are protected by the “grandfather” clause. He explains that, in his opinion, the color of the fascia is not the issue at hand and the illumination is. Ms. Zambernardi clarifies that three sides of blue fascia is acceptable, non-illuminated. Mr. Finch agrees. Mr. Fazio explains that the service station closes at 10 p.m. therefore, he needs illumination and illumination would not be offensive to the neighborhood. Mr. Finch disagrees. Ms. Zambernardi asks the Board for any further questions or discussion. Ms. Zambernardi states that the Mobile station is in close proximity to residents and she feels additional illumination would be detrimental. Ms. Zambernardi asks for a motion. Mr. Haring motions to accept blue fascia on three sides non-illuminated, seconded by Mr. Finch. Motion carries 3-0. 2. Capriola - Whitney Savignano/724 Hale Street/Sign Ms. Savignano approaches the Board and explains that she will be opening a children’s clothing store. She wishes to display a 2’ x 6’ sign with black lettering on an off white background. There will be incandescent lighting over the sign. She also states that the second floor of the building will be office space not yet occupied. Mr. Haring motions to accept, seconded by Mr. Finch. Motion carries 3-0. 3. Cygnet - James Glesener/24 West Street/Sign Mr. Glesener approaches the Board and states he wishes to display a sign in front of the building he is currently renovating. The sign will be 34” x 34”, and will display a picture of a swan (cygnet). It will have lettering below the picture reading “Cygnet”. It will be displayed from a metal bracket below the second floor windows. He also wishes to install an awning over the entrance, burgundy with khaki green lettering, with brass posts. Design Review Board Meeting Minutes – November 7, 2002 Page 3 Ms. Zambernardi explains to Mr. Glesener that a liability insurance policy for the awning structure must be in place and this must be presented to City Council. Mr. Finch states that the ordinance dictates that the sign must be placed below the bottom sill of the second floor. Mr. Haring motions to accept the wall sign, the bottom of which will hang within the roof slope of the second story overhang and the awning. Seconded by Mr. Finch. Motion carries 3-0. 4. Cummings Center - Bruce Overson/500 Cummings Center/Sign Mr. Oveson approaches the Board for a freestanding sign stating “500 Cummings Center”. The sign will be the same style as other signs on property, non-illuminated with green lettering. Mr. Haring suggests that the sign be two lines rather than three to lower the actual height. Mr. Oveson states that the sign will be 500’ from the other sign for the YMCA. He also states that there will be landscaping below and around sign. Mr. Haring motions to accept the sign on the condition that the address number “500” be moved to the same line as the word “Cummings” and the height of this portion of the sign be reduced from 4’ 7 ¾” to approximately 3’ 7”, seconded by Mr. Finch. Motion carries 3-0. 5. Beverly School for the Deaf - Pam McGrath/6 Echo Avenue/Sign Mr. Haring recuses himself from this discussion. Ms. McGrath approaches the Board and explains that the Beverly School for the Deaf has recently closed its residential program. They now wish to update their signs as follows: 1. The existing sign on the corner of Elliot and Echo will be replaced with a non- illuminated sign approx. the same size 18” from the ground. 2. The old sign on the corner of Elliot and Echo will be moved up Echo Ave. in front of school. 3. They wish to display 12” x 14” wall signs on the buildings, with white lettering on green backgrounds. 4. They wish to erect a sign on their new playground, 48” x 120”. The sign is large in size listing all businesses that donated towards the new playground. Design Review Board Meeting Minutes – November 7, 2002 Page 4 Ms. Zambernardi states that the playground sign is beyond the zoning ordinance’s definition of signage therefore it is not in the purview of the Board. Ms.Zambernardi motions to accept signs as noted, seconded by Mr. Finch. Motion carries 2-0. 6. Cherry Hill Park - Richard L. Cane/Modification to Definitive Plan Mr. Cane of The Flatley Company, Stephen DeCoursey of Bohler Engineering, Bob Graham and Duncan Morrell of Extended StayAmerica approach the Board regarding the definitive subdivision plan approved in 1979. Mr. Cane begins by stating that a restriction of a 150’ greenbelt was put on the approval in the 1970’s. He explains that the buffer of 150’, which is off Conant Street, was put into place when there was residential housing abutting the property. He continues to explain that the housing no longer exists, therefore, asks the Board to reduce the buffer from 150’ to 75’. He states that if the DRB approves, they can continue with submitting for the building of an Extended StayAmerica on the lot. He states that the plans for the new building are 150’ away from street. He praises the wonderful job Extended StayAmerica has done at other Flatley locations. Mr. Finch asks Ms. Zambernardi if the DRB has jurisdiction. Mr. Zambernardi answers yes and explains that Building Commissioner Brennan brought this to the DRB’s attention and asked the Board to review it. Mr. Haring asks the applicants to incorporate more trees & landscaping in the parking areas. Mr. Finch also states that maintaining suburban character of street is important. Mr. Haring motions to accept reducing the greenbelt from 150’ to 75’ with the recommendation that any future site plans for this lot should have extensive landscaping included in the plan. Seconded by Mr. Finch. Motion carries 3-0. 7. Commodore Plaza - Fred Severo/Alpha Sign/sign Mr. Severo of Alpha Sign approaches the Board. He presents a drawing of a freestanding cluster sign. He states that the top section will be opaque with illuminated letters and the tenant signs may be illuminated. He continues to explain that they tried to follow the architecture of the building. A clipper ship will be on the top of the sign. Mr. Haring suggests continuing with a light blue square on the side view of the top part of the sign. Design Review Board Meeting Minutes – November 7, 2002 Page 5 Mr. Finch asks that PMS numbers be supplied to the DRB and motions to accept the sign on the condition that light blue panels are added to the sides of the sign within the blue band, seconded by Mr. Haring. Motion carries 3-0. 8. Approval of Minutes Mr. Haring motions to accept minutes of October 3, 2002, seconded by Mr. Finch. Motion carries 3-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.