2005-11-03
Design Review Board
Date: November 3, 2005
Members Present: Leah Zambernardi, Colleen Bruce,
Douglas Haring,William Finch
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Bob Nelson, Building Inspector
Recorder: Diane Presutti
Ms. Zambernardi called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Mr. Finch arrived at 6:45 pm.
1. Independent Eye Care – Karen Hubbard/495 Cabot Street/Sign
Ms. Hubbard of Sign-A-Rama approached the Board on behalf of Independent Eye Care.
She states they will hang a wall sign that will have a white face.
Ms. Zambernardi noted that internally illuminated wall signs are not allowed in the CN
zone. She stated she has no problem with the sign's design. Ms. Hubbard stated that Mr.
Nelson approved the sign and signed the application.
Ms. Haring stated that he liked the graphics. Ms. Bruce agreed.
Mr. Haring motioned to accept as presented, seconded by Ms. Bruce. Motion carried 3-0.
2. Work ‘N Gear – Nathan Helm/65 Dodge Street/Sign
Mr. Helm of East Coast Sign approached the Board on behalf of Work ‘N Gear with a
design just under 60 SF.
Ms. Zambernardi confirmed the size being under 60 SF and suggested the sign be
lowered so it does not touch the edges of the pediment.
Mr. Haring motioned to accept contingent upon the sign being dropped 6 to 8 inches so
the sign does not touch the edges of the pediment. Seconded by Ms. Zambernardi.
Motion carried 3-0.
3. Wrapture – Nikita Paras/280 Cabot Street/Sign
Mr. Paras approached the Board with a sign design to be displayed above the entrance of
his new restaurant at 280 Cabot Street. Mr. Paras stated he also owns Soma and that he
has tried to make the design consistent with other business owners on the block. The sign
will be made of black ground glass called “Schmaltz” with raised silver lettering. There
will also be one gooseneck light over the sign. He indicated that when he removed the
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November 3, 2005
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old sign, he found that the original glass of the transom was not there. He stated that the
transom lights on the sides of the signs remain.
Mr. Finch showed his concern for keeping the originality of the building and made
suggestions on the glass type and the brick.
Mr. Paras assured Mr. Finch that the condo association is very strict as well regarding the
preservation of the building and how the sign will be displayed.
Mr. Haring motioned to accept as presented. Seconded by Ms. Bruce. Motion carried 4-
0.
4. CVS Pharmacy – John Kessler/53 Dodge Street/Signage
Mr. Kessler approached the Board on behalf of CVS Pharmacy with a proposal for
signage on the drive through canopy and a revision for the wall sign facing into the Plaza,
which previously received a variance. He described the proposed signs on the drive
through canopy. He stated they wish to add “24 Hours” to the wall sign that received a
variance. He stated that for this sign, they are aware they must apply for a modified
variance and ask this Board for its recommendation. He also indicated there are three
directional freestanding signs within the Plaza. He has worked with CVS to reduce the
size of these signs to 2 square feet in accordance with the Sign Ordinance.
Ms. Zambernardi indicated the sign they wish to display on the canopy facing Dodge
Street has no directional purpose therefore it is not necessary to be displayed. She stated
that in her opinion, it is a wall sign and only one wall sign is allowed per business'
primary facade. She stated this sign would exceed zoning and that she thinks it is
excessive. Ms. Bruce agreed.
Mr. Finch also agreed. He stated the other canopy signs would be acceptable. He made
some additional suggestions for the canopy signs. He indicated that putting the hours of
operation on a wall sign exceeds the Sign Ordinance guidelines. He stated that this
would set a poor precedent and other businesses in Beverly would be able to put their
hours e.g. “Open until 9 pm” on their wall signs.
Zambernardi stated that the sign faces into the Plaza and is not visible from the public
way. She stated that graphically, it is acceptable, although she also has concerns with the
sign's message and the precedent it will set for other businesses in Beverly.
Mr. Kessler stated that this Board's purview is the sign's design. He stated that he would
have to make the arguments for the sign in terms of the Zoning Ordinance to the Board of
Appeals. He requested that this Board limit their recommendations to the design of the
sign rather than the grounds for granting a variance.
Mr. Haring agreed that the canopy signage facing Dodge Street is non-directional and is
not needed. He also indicated that the “24 Hours” is not visible from Dodge Street;
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November 3, 2005
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therefore if the ZBA approved it the DRB can stipulate the non-visibility was a factor in
their recommendation.
Mr. Haring motioned to deny the signage on the face of the canopy facing Dodge Street;
to accept the signage on the front and rear of the canopy as directional; to recommend to
the ZBA that the “24 Hours” sign is graphically acceptable, especially since it is not
visible from the public way. Motion seconded by Mr. Finch. Motion carried 4-0.
5. TD Banknorth – Sean Barnette/ 55 Dodge St. and 175 Cabot St./ Signs
Mr. Barnette approached the Board with new signs for Banknorth. He stated they are
changing to TD Banknorth and would like their signs to reflect that. He stated that all
existing signs would be replaced with new signs of the same area.
Mr. Haring motioned to accept the signs for both locations as presented. Seconded by
Ms. Bruce. Motion carried 4-0.
6. Utility Park Condominium Trust – Cindy Modugno/ 117 Elliott St/ Freestanding
Ms. Modugno approached the Board with a design of a freestanding sign to stand 12’
high. The sign will be light gray with black lettering, displaying tenant panels for the
condos on site.
Ms. Zambernardi stated that the sign is in compliance.
Mr. Haring motioned to accept as presented. Seconded by Mr. Finch. Motion carried 4-
0.
7. Massage-Yoga-Plarity – Robin McQueen/ 2 Edwards Street/ Sign
Ms. McQueen approached the Board with a design of a sign to be centered over the
entrance of the building and also one to be displayed on the side of the building.
Ms. McQueen questioned the use of sandwich boards. Ms. Zambernardi indicated that
sandwich boards are currently not allowed. She stated there is currently a proposal
before the City Council to allow Sandwich Boards. She stated that it has not been
decided upon yet however.
Ms. Bruce motioned to accept the proposed signs as presented. Seconded by Mr. Finch.
Motion carried 4-0.
8. Minutes of October 11, 2005
Mr. Haring motioned to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Mr. Finch.
Motion carried 4-0.
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November 3, 2005
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Ms. Zambernardi motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Ms. Bruce. Motion carried 4-0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.