2005-09-10
Design Review Board - Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2005
Page 1
Design Review Board
Date: September 1, 2005
Members Present: Leah Zambernardi, Colleen Bruce,
William Finch
Members Absent: Douglas Haring
Others Present: None
Recorder: Diane Presutti
Ms. Zambernardi called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
1. 28 West Street – Sarah Polese Reineman/26-28 West Street/Wall and
Freestanding Sign
Ms. Reineman approached the Board with a design for a wall sign listing all tenants in
the building. The sign will consist of twelve business names on two signs on each side of
the entrance. She also presented a design of a freestanding sign to also consist of all the
business names. Ms. Bruce notes that the freestanding sign is on the property but the sign
will overhang a public way.
Mr. Finch asked Ms. Zambernardi what is allowed by Zoning. Ms. Zambernardi stated
that both signs require a variance from the ZBA. Mr. Finch also asked the Board if they
would support these two signs as a variance. He also stated that if the Board decided to
support an application for a variance, that the ZBA may not approve it.
Ms. Zambernardi stated that she would agree to make a positive recommendation on a
variance for the wall directory signs due to the set back of the building.
Ms. Bruce agreed with Ms. Zambernardi on the wall sign.
Mr. Finch addressed the freestanding sign and states that it is serving the purpose of a
directory sign rather than a freestanding sign. The lettering is too small to clearly identify
any of the businesses. Ms. Bruce suggested that a wall sign or a smaller scale
freestanding sign on a smaller post that would simply identify the property address might
be more appropriate.
Mr. Finch motioned to draft a letter to the ZBA recommending approval of the directory
signs on each side of the entrance. Each sign should be no more than 6 s.f. in area and
the lettering for each business should be no more than 3 inches in height. Mr. Finch also
motioned to approve a wall sign with the property address to be centered between the top
of the sign band and the bottom edge of the central window. A rendering of the sign
must be submitted before final approval. Motioned seconded by Ms. Bruce. Motion
carried 3-0.
Design Review Board - Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2005
Page 2
2. The Paper Store – Kathy Kane/53 Dodge Street/Sign
Ms. Kathy Kane, Marketing Director of the Paper Store and Tim Sullivan of Barlo Signs
presented a design of a wall sign.
Mr. Finch stated that the logo “gifts and more” and the logo for "Hallmark" is excessive
and detracts from "The Paper Store" sign.
Ms. Bruce stated she agreed with Mr. Finch and suggested they eliminate “gifts and
more” and have the “Hallmark” logo eliminated or either above or beside "The Paper
Store".
Mr. Finch motioned to accept the sign contingent upon removal of the “gifts and more”
logo and placing the “Hallmark” logo either centered above "The Paper Store" sign or
beside it to the right, or eliminating it altogether. Motion seconded by Ms. Bruce.
Motion carried 3-0.
3. Depot Liquors – John Athanasopoulos/23 Enon Street/Sign
Mrs. Annette Athanasopoulos presented a design for two signs to be displayed on the
roof of the building. She stated that they have just completed a renovation of the
building. They put a metal face on the facade of the building and her husband doesn't
want to obscure it in any way with signage. Because of this, they want to put the signs on
the roof of the building. This is how signage was prior to the renovation.
Mr. Finch stated that the new facade design incorporates a sign band, which was not the
case with the previous building (had no sign band). He also stated that the aluminum
background could be greatly enhanced by individually affixed letters with the name of
each business. He also suggested using a system for the signs in which each sign would
be attached by a band, the same color as the background metal, to the sides of the
columns between each sign band. He stated this would eliminate the concern over
damaging the metal.
Ms. Bruce suggested that they ask their architect about his intent for signage when
designing the building.
Ms. Zambernardi suggested Mrs. Athanasopoulos consult her architect and her husband
and come to the next meeting to discuss some alternatives to the roof sign.
4. Other Business
A. Ms. Zambernardi stated that One Stop Market on Rantoul Street has asked if they can
change their recess down lighting to electric ballast florescent lighting.
Design Review Board - Meeting Minutes
September 1, 2005
Page 3
Mr. Finch motioned to deny request for lighting change because it is overly excessive.
Seconded by Ms. Bruce. Motion carried 3-0.
B. Ms. Zambernardi stated that Planning Director Tina Cassidy would propose some
amendments to the sign ordinance for consideration by the City Council. Members
review, discuss and comment on the proposed changes.
5. Minutes of July 7, 2005
Ms. Bruce motioned to accept the minutes of July 7, 2005, seconded by Mr. Finch.
Motion carried 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.