December 6 2018 meeting minutesCITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OR COMMISSION: Design Review Board
SUBCOMITTEE:
DATE: December 6, 2018
LOCATION: Beverly City Hall Conference Room
MEMBERS PRESENT: Sandra Cook, Ellen Flannery, Emily Hutchings
Joel Margolis, Rachel Matthews, Caroline Baird
Mason, Matt Ulrich
MEMBERS ABSENT:
RECORDER: Donna Musumeci
1) 140 -142 Brimbal Avenue Applicant: North Shore Crossing
The North Shore Crossing application was continued from the November DRB meeting,
with recommendations from the November meeting to be incorporated into the design.
The applicant described updated and revised renderings, and noted that each sign was
addressed and reduced in size: The roundabout monument sign's approximate height
was reduced from 15 feet to 12 feet, the stone base dimensions reduced from 7 feet to
6 feet and letter and logo size reduced. The two freestanding wall signs were reduced
from 4' 10" to 3', 9" which gives better visibility for the plantings. The width of the walls
is almost the same. The applicant noted that the signs and structures are
proportionately appropriate in size, and the signs can still be read from 240 feet away
(where a car would enter the roundabout). The applicant also noted that the main
monument sign is set back from the curb over 30 feet; the original renderings did not
reflect that but the updated renderings do. The updated renderings also reflect more
attractive trees proposed for landscaping, the colors are more accurate, and how the
halo lighting will work is better reflected. Flannery asked if the monument sign is
proposed to start at street grade, and the applicant noted that there is a very slight
grade change that will not be artificially built up. The applicant stated that while the site
plan is accurate, the original renderings did not accurately depict the size and location
of the sign within the context of the site. The updated renderings provided at this
meeting are far more accurate. The Board noted the revised renderings show the sign
as much softer and more appropriate in scale. The applicant agreed and further stated
that the sign's size was reduced to the greatest extent possible in order for the sign to
remain readable from approximately 240 feet away, where cars would enter the
roundabout abutting the property.
The applicant went on to further describe the two freestanding wall signs at the Brimbal
Avenue entrance. The applicant noted that the Board's main concern was the height of
the signs at 6 feet tall; the signs were brought down to 4'10" in height at the highest
point (where the logo and sign is) then the walls taper down to 3 feet in height around
the entrances. It was noted by the Board that the revised signs are much more
pedestrian friendly.
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Members of the public were at the meeting and were permitted to speak; Beverly
residents Daniel and Pamela DeAngelis asked for clarification on what signs are
allowed IR Zone by right, stated that each proposed sign requires a Special Permit, and
stated his concerns about the proposed signs and whether they are necessary to
advertise the new commercial development. The Board noted Mr. DeAngelis's
concerns, and noted that the Board's responsibility in this case is to consider the
design, scale, and placement of the signs, and to make a recommendation to the
Zoning Board of Appeals on whether to grant a Special Permit. The Board stated that
because the signs require a Special Permit, the Zoning Board of Appeals would hold
public hearing regarding the signage prior to voting on whether to grant a Special Permit
for the signs. The Board recommended that Mr. DeAngelis state his concerns at that
public hearing.
There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter:
Cook: Motion to recommend the approval of the signs to the Zoning Board
of Appeals as presented. Matthews seconded. The motion carries
(7 -0).
2) 410 Rantoul Street Applicant: Karma II Lash Bar & Spa
The applicant is proposing a wall sign that includes the name of the business and will be
externally illuminated. The proposed wall sign will replace an existing wall sign of the
same dimensions and materials. The applicant has applied for the Beverly Main Streets
Facade & Sign Improvement Grant. Hutchings noted that the sign complies with the
Sign Ordinance, but it does not qualify for the Beverly Main Streets grant as it does not
meet the design criteria. An option is for the DRB to approve the proposed sign a
temporary sign that can be up while the applicant works with Beverly Main Streets and
the Planning Department to establish a sign that would qualify for the grant. The
applicant stated that they need to use the proposed sign due to budget constraints. The
Board advised they do not favor photographic images. Matthews made suggestions to
maximize the name, using all capitalized letters with a serif font, and tohave a white
borderaround the letters to make the sign more readable. The applicant agreed to
provide another rendering based on Matthews recommendation. The Planning
Department will administratively review the revised rendering and confirm the approved
design with Building Department.
There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter:
Matthews: Motion to approve the sign with recommendations to (1)
change the name to all capital letters, (2) move the subtitle
to a square next to the main name, (3) eliminate the photos,
and (4) to have a white border on the sign. Cook seconded.
The motion carries (7 -0).
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3) 407 Cabot Street Applicant: Rasta Pasta Pizzeria
The applicant is proposing a wall sign and panel on a freestanding sign in the CG
zoning district. The wall sign will have channel letters in 3 colors, red, gold and green
colors, and the same on the pylon sign that now says Three Star Pizza. The signs state
the name of the business, and will be internally illuminated. The signs are both
compliant with the Ordinance.
There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter:
Flannery: Motion to approve the Rasta Pasta Pizzeria signs as
presented. Margolis seconded. The motion carries (7 -0).
4) 5 Broadway Applicant: Design to the Nines
The applicant has an interior design, staging and renovation company. There are three
businesses in the location. The applicant is proposing one projecting sign and a window
sign. The projecting sign includes the name of the business, and the phrase "Premier
Home Staging Interior Design Renovations ", phone number and website. The window
sign will not be illuminated and both signs are in compliance with the Ordinance. The
window signage covers less than 20 percent of the windows and complies with the
Ordinance, as the address does not count as window signage. The Board noted that
there is already window signage for the two other businesses at the location, neither of
which have come to the Board for approval. The Board asked about multiple
businesses and signs in one location, and what would be permitted for signage in such
a case. Hutchings, as Planning Department staff, stated she would review the
requirements with the Building Department. It was noted that the Board should be
considering the applicant who is present, and that the other businesses should come in
for DRB review separately. The other businesses are not presenting wall and projecting
signs, and will have some signage on the windows.
Hutchings advised that the Board could review the proposed signage as presented or
applicant could return next meeting with the other businesses at the location for
continued review of the signage. The Board expressed concern over the busyness and
design of the projecting sign, and Matthews volunteered to review the projecting sign
with the applicant and discuss potential design options.
Cook: Motion to continue the signage package to the January 2019
meeting, at which time City staff will advise the Board how signage
for the multiple businesses at one location may be addressed.
Hutchings seconded. The motion carries (7 -0).
5) 600 Cumminas Center. #171 Applicant: Montessori Kids Universe
The applicant is proposing one wall sign in the IG Zoning district. The wall sign includes
the name of the business, and will be externally illuminated. The sign replaces the sign
that was there with a prior business that had obtained a Special Permit in 2016.
Because of this Special Permit, the sign only requires Design Review Board approval.
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The applicant notes that they are a Cummings tenant, and are following their standards
with the channel letters on a raceway.
There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter:
Cook: Motion to approve the signage for Montessori as presented.
Flannery seconded. The motion carries (7 -0).
6) 360 Cabot Street Applicant: Back East Mediterranean Grill
The applicant is proposing a projecting sign on the Cabot Street side of the building.
The is the same sign and colors as shown for the wall sign presented at the November
2018 meeting, and is in compliance with the Ordinance.
There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter:
Cook: Make a motion to approved the sign as presented. Margolis
seconded. The motion carries (7 -0)
7) Mark Dawson Applicant: Exaedia Cruise Shia Centers
The applicant is proposing a sign in the Commodore Plaza. The sign is being made by
Signarama in Florida and will be sent to Beverly. Sign is 19 square feet and sits on a 20'
facia; the applicant notes it is very simple. There will be channel letters on a raceway.
The sign is in compliance, and the Board notes that it fits well with other signs in the
plaza.
There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter:
Cook: Make a motion to approved the sign as presented. Margolis
seconded. The motion carries (7 -0).
8) Karen Hanson Applicant: Enaels & Volker's. 723 Hale Street
The applicant is proposing a wall sign and has already completed new awning signage.
The sign on the side of the building faces West Street and will be 9 -inch individual
letters that will project one inch off the building. There will be lights above the sign. The
street number 723" will be on the front of the building, which is not considered signage
The awnings were already up; the applicant had new awnings made with the existing
frames, not realizing that Design Review Board approval was needed. The letters are 5
inches tall and the new awnings are up on the existing frames. The signage complies
with the Ordinance.
There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter:
Matthews: Make a motion to approved the signs as presented. Cook
seconded. The motion carries (7 -0).
9) Paper Asylum Applicant: Paper Asylum, 260 Cabot Street
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The applicant is moving to a new location, and has applied for a Beverly Main Streets
Facade and Sign Improvement grant. The applicant stated that this is a pop culture
shop, formerly the Revived dance studio. The applicant is proposing a blade sign above
the door with vinyl letters and external lighting. The business will have its name on the
glass windows. The doors will be moved to be handicap - accessible and for the
downstairs area to have access to the main store. The Board commented that baby
blue lights seem to distract from the other colors on the storefront, and would
recommend something more modern. In determining where signage should be placed
on the three windows to the right of the door, the Board suggested that there be "paper"
on the left window, "asylum" on the right window, and the logo on the middle window.
There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter:
Cook: Make a motion to approved the signs as presented, with the
condition they get new lights and to note they are applying for the
BMS grant. Hutchings seconded. The motion carries (7 -0).
10) Site Plan — Minor Modification 2688 Cabot Street
The applicant has returned with changes to the fagade of the building. On the Cabot
Street fagade, two banks of windows have been changed to ensure the building is
compliant with ADA requirements, and some beams changed to meet structural
requirements. Metal screening has been added to the second floor to address the
beams from a design aspect. The applicant clarified that the white squares shown on
the Cabot Street fagade are the beams, which will be wrapped in hardy board to look
like trim.
For the rear fagade facing the parking lot, the applicant had to change the window
configuration due to ADA requirements for the interior of the building. Site plan revisions
to ensure ADA compliance for the kitchens and bathrooms cause the window
configuration to change. The applicant also noted that the deck was expanded for
Atomic Cafe, and the original town house going into the main floor was removed.
The Board noted that on the front fagade on Cabot Street, particularly on right hand
side, there appear to be fewer windows. The applicant stated that two banks of windows
were switched from double windows to single windows due to the reconfiguration of the
units and location of the bathrooms. The Board stated that, recognizing there are
bathrooms in front, is there any way to increase the size of the windows slightly to make
them line up with the other windows? A suggestion was made to move the two
windows in front of the kitchen space together to improve the consistency of the window
configuration.
There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter:
Cook: Motion to recommend the Planning Board approve the
design changes as presented, with the recommendation that
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on the Cabot Street (main) fagade, the second and third
windows from the right on the top two floors (described as
the "kitchen windows ") be moved together to increase
consistency with window spacing. Flannery seconded.
Motion carries (7 -0).
11. New /Other Business:
a. Draft Meeting Minutes: October 4, 2018
Update the minutes to reflect the date of October 4, 2018.
There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter:
Cook: Make a motion to approve the meeting minutes as amended.
Mason seconded. The motion carries (7 -0)
b. Draft Meeting Minutes: November 1, 2018
There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter:
Cook: Make a motion to approve the meeting minutes as amended.
Margolis seconded. The motion carries (7 -0).
c. 2019 Meeting Schedule
Included in the Board's packets was the meeting schedule for the DRB 2019
calendar year. The Board reviewed the meeting schedule and confirmed there
were no concerns or known conflicts.
8) Adjourn:
Cook : Made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Flannery seconded.
The motion carries (7 -0).
The meeting adjourned at 8:33PM.
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