HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-02-08-DAC-MIN
LEXINGTON DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
February 8, 2007
To:
Board of Appeals
Re:
433 Marrett Road - Special Permit request for “A-Frame” sign
At its regular meeting on February 6, 2007, the DAC reviewed an application for a
special permit to erect an “A-Frame” sign at 433 Marrett Road. Colin Smith, the DAC
Chair, recused himself from the review.
The request to allow this type of temporary sign in a “permanent” manner at this
particular location is inconsistent with the considerations set forth in Section 135-78.D of
the By-Laws. The applicant has not proven that the “…architecture of the building, the
location of the building with reference to the street or the nature of the establishment is
such that the sign should be permitted in the public interest”. In addition, the DAC feels
that the amount of content displayed on this sign is distracting to motorist and not
consistent with other signs in the town. As an example, the town library currently
places a temporary “A-frame” sign that reads “OPEN”, which is brought in at night. The
library sign is temporary, has limited content displayed on it and is in the “public
interest”.
Accompanying the application was a letter written by a neighbor voicing objection to the
applicant’s request for the reasons listed above amongst other grievances, which the DAC
has reviewed and is in agreement with.
While we appreciate the reasons for the applicant’s request, the DAC does not support
the request for special permit. Perhaps the applicant can rethink their current wall signage
on the building to increase visibility (the building is not far from the street) or they may
consider a permanent freestanding sign, closer to the street, as other businesses do when
there is a need above and beyond the wall signage they have.
The DAC recommends this special permit not be granted, for the above-mentioned
reasons.
Respectfully submitted,
Colin P. Smith AIA, Chairman
Lexington Design Advisory Committee
Cc: Board of Selectmen