2011-12-01CITY OF BEVERLY
BOARD:
DATE:
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
RECORDER:
OTHERS PRESENT:
Bruce calls the meeting to order.
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Design Review Board
December 1, 2011
Bill Finch, Colleen Bruce, Jane Brusca
Rachel Matthews
Associate Planner Kate Newhall
Kate Newhall
1. 107 Brimbal Avenue — Cycles 128 — Ralph Cerundolo, President, Cycles 128, 107 Brimbal
Avenue, Beverly, MA 01915
Robert and Ralph Cerundolo present the overall plan for the building, which includes a new permanent
canopy as well as moving and replacing several signs; Ralph shows the rendering of what the building
will look like after they complete both the construction work and the sign work. He presents the sign
design for a new wall sign that will measure 3' in height and 20' in length that will face Brimbal Avenue.
The acrylic channel letters will be red, reading, "Cycles 128." The sign will feature a black and white
checkered flag logo as well. Mr. Cerundolo explains how several of the required brand signs will be
removed from the front of the building and placed along the side of it, decreasing the clutter on the front
facade of the building.
The Cerundolos reference the 2003 project and DRB approval and state that they want to complete what
was approved then. However, some of the brand signs have changed, making the 2003 approval not quite
accurate. Although, the general idea of the 2003 approval, which focused on moving the signs to the side
facade of the building, is present in the current proposal.
The Cerundolos help clarify the new locations of the brand signs.
Finch references the zoning ordinance and issue with displaying so many brand - specific signs. He
recognizes the franchise agreement and the need to have the signs. He also acknowledges that the
location of the business in a vehicle- oriented area is a better place for the signs than if the business were
located downtown.
Finch asks about the 2003 approval and the awning sign. Ralph states that they are not going to install the
awning sign, only the currently proposed wall sign.
Newhall notes that the wall sign meets the zoning requirements so the Board can review its design. The
other signs do not meet the zoning code, which means the applicant will need to seek a Special Permit
from the ZBA to install them; the Board can issue a recommendation to the ZBA for the signs.
Finch: Motion to approve the wall sign design as presented, seconded by Bruce. All in favor.
Brusca asks about the brand signs that will require a special permit. Ralph states that the Honda and the
Ducati signs are new logos and the Kymco sign will be in a new location.
Finch questions the relationship between the location of a sign and the grandfathering of the sign. If a
sign is moved from its present location does it lose its grandfathered status? The Board is unsure about
this, leaving it in the hands of the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
DRB
December 1, 2011
Page 2 of 2
Finch would like to recommend that the ZBA approve the proposal for the following reasons: it follows
the spirit of the 2003 approval; the signs are not changing in dimension, only location, with a few updated
signs; the overall proposal is improving the appearance of the front facade; the Board understands and is
sensitive to the franchise rules; and the location of building is in commercial /auto oriented zone, rather
than pedestrian zone like downtown.
Brusca asks about signs currently hanging in the windows. Ralph states that the posters will be removed.
Newhall reviews the issues to be stated in the recommendation letter for the ZBA; the board agrees.
2. 280B Cabot Street — Gusto Cafe — Albana Meta, 11 Foster Street, Danvers, MA 01923
Ms. Meta presents the sign design for a wall sign for Gusto Cafe. The aluminum sign will measure 2' in
height and 8' in length. The black sign will have white letters reading, "Gusto Cafe" "Coffee Tea
Expresso Latte." There is also a white diamond in the center of the sign that features a black, steaming
coffee cup. The sign will be externally illuminated.
Newhall notes that "Expresso" is spelled wrong. It should be, "Espresso." Meta states that she will have
the sign maker correct it.
Bruce confirms that the sign will be black and white
Brusca appreciates the placement of the sign, which is centered over the business' windows.
Bruce: Motion to approve the sign design as presented, seconded by Finch. All in favor.
3. Approval of Minutes — November 10, 2011 Meeting
Finch: Motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Bruce. All in favor.
4. New /Other Business
There is no new /other business to discuss.
Meeting is adjourned at 7:15 pm