2002-10-03Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes – October 3, 2002
Page 1
CITY OF BEVERLY
Public Meeting Minutes
BOARD: Design Review Board
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: October 3, 2002
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: William Finch, Douglas Haring & Leah Zambernardi
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Margaret O’Brien, Jennifer Palardy & Debbie Hurlburt
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER: Diane Presutti
Ms. Zambernardi called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
1. Beverly Commons - Gary Saltmarsh/Dodge Street and Tozer Road/Signage
Mr. Saltmarsh approached the Board on behalf of Corcoran Management Company regarding
two freestanding signs that were replaced prior to applying to the DRB. Mr. Saltmarsh
apologized for the misunderstanding and presented his design to the Board. The signs on display
replaced existing signage. He explains that the old sign has been in place for 27 years. He
continues that the City of Beverly claimed 25 SF on Tozer Road by eminent domain therefore
the sign on Tozer Road was moved slightly to accommodate visibility and to give the sidewalk
next to the sign clearance. The signs will be dusty green.
Ms. Zambernardi states that this location is in the RMD Zone. She questions the footage from the
road edge. She also questions the SF of each sign.
Mr. Saltmarsh responds the signs are less than 40’ from the road and no footings are in place
due to utility trenches and electric wires in the ground area. He states the signs are 10’ x 11’.
Mr. Finch questions the movement of the sign on Tozer Road and asks if visibility was or is a
concern. He also states that the signs are probably grand fathered.
Mr. Saltmarsh states that visibility was a problem prior to moving the sign but is no longer.
Mr. Finch questions if the telephone number was displayed on the previous sign and if that
would be considered grand fathered. He also questions the “.COM” and reminds the Board that
the ordinance states the name of business, slogan and year established are permitted.
Ms. Zambernardi reads the ordinance to the Board.
Ms. Zambernardi agrees with no “.COM”. She also questions the “Now Renting” portion of the
sign, which is removable. She states the “Now Renting” is not part of the business name, slogan
Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes – October 3, 2002
Page 2
or year established. She asks if when removed will there be a “No Vacancy” displayed. Mr.
Saltmarsh states no.
Mr. Finch agrees and suggests that the words “Rental Office” be placed above phone number.
Mr. Haring states he likes the organization and the niceness of the sign but states that the Board
should not break the precedent.
Mr. Finch motions to accept the two freestanding signs contingent upon removal of the “Now
Renting” removable portion and eliminating the “.COM”. Also, the words “Rental Office” may
be added between the telephone number and Corcoran Management Company.
Mr. Haring seconds the motion.
Motion carries 3-0.
2. Beverly Wild Bird & Pet Supply - John Morris/214 Rantoul St./Sign
Mr. Morris approaches the Board with a sketch of a 3’ x 4’ projecting sign to be displayed on a
bracket above the entrance.
Mr. Haring suggests that making the background colonial white to match the building would
make the sign more attractive.
Mr. Finch asks if there will be exterior lighting and agrees with dark brown lettering on colonial
white. He also asks if the bracket is pre-manufactured. He also shows concern for the placement
and space for the bracket to be positioned over the entrance.
Mr. Morris states that the picture of the building is deceiving.
Ms. Zambernardi asks if the hardware will be black. Mr. Morris responds that the hardware is
steel and will be black.
Mr. Finch motions to accept contingent upon submitting color swatches to Ms. Zambernardi
showing the dark brown letters on colonial white background. Seconded by Mr. Haring.
Motion carries 3-0.
3. Sunoco - John Connors/131 Brimbal Avenue/Sign
Mr. Connors approaches the Board on behalf of Sunoco. He wishes to reface the freestanding
sign with new slanted lettering and new 150 watt florescent lamps. The sign will be energy
efficient, the letters will be blue with a yellow background. The outline will be blue with the
traditional red arrow. The pole will be painted gray. He also states that the height of the sign is
for highway visibility. The height and dimensions stay the same.
Mr. Finch states that the freestanding sign is grand fathered.
Mr. Haring motions to accept, seconded by Mr. Finch.
Motion carries 3-0.
Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes – October 3, 2002
Page 3
4. Cardsmart – Judith and John Fowler/Commodore Plaza
Mr. & Mrs. Fowler approach the Board with designs of two wall signs they wish to display on a
corner unit of the Commodore Plaza they will be occupying for their “Cardsmart” business. The
signs will be red neon illuminated letters. After some discussion about the area requirements for
primary and secondary signs, it was determined that the primary façade sign will be 26” x 10’
and the secondary sign will be 18” x 10’. The Fowlers will leave the slogan “50% off every card
every day” off the secondary sign in order to meet the zoning requirements for secondary signs.
Mr. Fowler states that the primary sign will have the slogan “50% off every card every day.”
Ms. Zambernardi questions if the background is opaque.
Mr. Haring questions the setback from the street. Mr. Fowler states that the building is 100’
from the street.
Mr. Finch questions the logo on the signs.
Ms. Zambernardi asks the Board for any further concerns or questions.
Mr. Haring motions to accept on the condition that the slogan is left off the secondary sign.
Seconded by Mr. Finch.
Motion carries 3-0.
5. Landmark Health Solutions - Mark Richard/265 Essex Street/Sign
Ms. Zambernardi states that the DRB did not receive an application from Mr. Richard and
suggests that they review his design and make a motion contingent upon receiving application.
She also states that application is in the Building Department and will be forwarded to the
Planning Department.
Mr. Richard approaches the Board and explains that he wishes to replace existing sign with a 3’
x 5’ sign of dark sage green background, gold leaf lettering and symbols and a white border.
White wood poles with gold balls on top will be used. There will also be external illumination
done by two ground lights.
Mr. Finch states that the zoning is R15 and states that he thinks this sign is probably grand
fathered.
Mr. Haring states that the design is 15 SF.
Mr. Zambernardi asks the Board for any further concerns or questions.
Mr. Haring motions to accept contingent upon receiving application from Building Department
and that the sign is found to be in conformance to zoning by the Building Inspector, seconded by
Mr. Finch.
Motion carries 3-0.
6. Approval of Minutes
Design Review Board
Meeting Minutes – October 3, 2002
Page 4
A. DRB minutes of July 11, 2002:
Mr. Haring motions to approve minutes of July 11, 2002, seconded by Mr. Finch.
Motion carries 3-0.
B. DRB minutes of September 5, 2002:
Mr. Haring motions to approve minutes of September 5, 2002, seconded by Mr. Finch.
Motion carries 3-0.
C. DRB minutes of September 12, 2002:
Mr. Haring motions to approve minutes of September 12, 2002, seconded by Mr. Finch.
Motion carries 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.