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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-01-28 r . ~ ` HISTORIC DISTRICTS C061MISSION January 28, 1976 A meeting of the Historic Districts Commission was held on Wednesday, January 28, 1976, in the Selectmens Meeting Room. Present were Commissioners Wilbur b1. Jaquith, Chairman; Georgia H. Williams, Secretary; Thomas J. Holzbog, Donald J. Shaw; and Associate Commissioner Oliver F. Hooper who was appointed to serve for S. Lawrence Whipple. Representing Brigham's were Mr. Henderson and Mr. Anthony Dedousis and representing Stop & Shop (Athens Realty Trust) were Robert Ross and Jack McCarthy. It was stated that the Building Department had issued a Permit to change the Buttrick's sign which had previously been on the fascia board of the store. Mr. Henderson said that he was not aware that Brigham's had to come before this Commission. Mr. Jaquith said that you know that we turned down the sign proposed for your store in the Center of Lexington. Mr. Henderson said, "tell us what you would like to see". Mr. Jaquith said that the Commission would like to see the sign removed and a somewhat different sign erected. Mr. Henderson said that Harold Chalfin of Back Bay Sign Company had been told by the Building Department that this store was not in a Historic District. The Building Department then issued a Permit for the installation of this sign. Mr. Henderson said that our identification is our logo and that he cannot go back to the company and justify expenditure of $800-$1000 for this sign. Mr. Jaquith said that, knowing our feeling for the proposed sign for Massachusetts Avenue,-you should have contacted the Com- mission re the Bedford Street Store. Mr. Henderson's answer was that the Building Department told Mr. Chalfin's secretary that it was not necessary as the store was not in a Historic District.. Mr. Jaquith said that you got the wrong information and that it has not been possible to pin down who gave you the information. He added that you have a sign that the Commission feels is inappropriate - the most objectionable section is the red, white, and blue garland. Mr. Henderson said that replacing this sign would be difficult to "sell" to his company unless bargaining on the Massachusetts Avenue sign is done. Pir. Dedousis said that they spent a great deal of money for the sign. Mr. Henderson said that the most important part is the word "Brigham's" in their logo form. Mr. Jaquith said that the Commission does not like the blocking of the letters. Mr. Hooper said that the objection is not nedessarily the logo but the letters. Mr. Holzbog said that the Commission's responsibility is to the Town and our attempt is to improve signs, buildings, etc. Mr. Henderson said that there are many different types of signs in that shopping area - different types of lettering, colors, and logos. He said that the logo is the one thing that is important to Brigham's. He added that all he wanted if the availability to use the logo on both stores. Mr. Jaquith said that;. when he first became a member of the Commission, no logos were allowed at all. He stated that the Commission has allowed some logos when the Commission felt that they are in good taste for the Town of Lexington. He said that unforunately we do not feel that this logo is appropriate. ' ~ ~ January 28, 1976 - page 2 Mr. Henderson asked what can be done. Mr. Jaquith said that court action is one possibility, but that the Commission does not seek court actions. Mr. Henderson said that you are telling us that we have to take the sign down. Mr. Jaquith said that the Commission acts under an Act of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts which takes precedence over Town Boards. Mr. Henderson said that the word "Brigham's" is important to us. bir. Jaquith asked if they could remove the garlands and leave just the name. Mr. Henderson said that they could not remove the garlands. Mr. Holzbog asked if the sign could be. used on any other store, and bir. Henderson said that there was a possibilitybut that each store sign is individually made. Mr. Jaquith said that the Commission has given a lot of thought to logos in signs in the last year. Mr. Henderson said that it probably would have been better to have left the Buttrick's sign. He said that they acquired Buttrick's in 1968. Mr. Jaquith asked if they plan to put this sign on all stores, and Mr. Hender- son said that they want the word "Brigham's" over the door in Lexington Center that was turned down. He said that, if the Historic Districts Commission is willing to allow us some latitude in the Center, they will consider removing this sign. Mr. Jaquith said that he does not want to give the impression that the Commission is going to change feelings on the sign for the Center sign. Mr. Shaw asked how many years,do you advertize the same sign and bir. Henderson said seven to ten years which~~he life of the sign. bir. Jaquith said that the Commission will discuss this matter and he will call Mr. Henderson. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 P.bl. Then followed a discussion among the members of the Commission present. Mr. Shaw said that if the Building Inspector told them when they applied for the Center sign and did not tell them when applied for this sign, then the Commission has a difficult problem. Mr. Jaquith said that, if the Commission took them to Court and got a strong minded Judge making decisions on law, he would find for the Commission. Mr. Shaw said, if blr. Henderson said that they can't do anything about it and the Commission doesn't want the sign, then we should get the Building Inspector to issue a "Cease and Desist" order to remove the sign. Mr. Holzbog said that she has the feeling that Mr. Henderson is trying to put something over on the Commission. Georgia H. Williams Secretary January 28, 1976 - Addendum A hearing was held at 7:50 P.M. on the application of the Church of Our Redeemer to replace the roof at the Rectory at 1888 Massachusetts Avenue, which is within the Battle Green District. Mr. Jaquith stated that permis- sion is requested to remove the slate and old asphalt and replace with new shingle roof. David Burke, Senior Warden, submitted photos of the Rectory and shingles proposed. He stated that there is deterioration over the entire roof. Following discussion, the hearing was adjourned at 8:20 P.M. Then followed the discussion on the Brigham's sign which was adjourned at 9:05 P.M. Kim Fillmore d/b/a The Toad Stool appeared to discuss sign at 1632 Massachusetts Avenue, which is within the Battle Green District. Mr. Jaquith stated that the application was sent after a letter was sent to bts. Fillmore regarding the sign already erected. She stated that she had appled to the Board of Appeals for permission to have a hanging sign. hLr. Holzbog asked if she wanted sign there and his. Fillmore said that she would like something like it. Mr. Jaquith stated that scale drawings were needed for the Commis- to approve the sign. It was agreed that the toad and pedestal were liked. Mr. Shaw said that need a sign that looks complete. The hearing was adjourned at 9:45 P.M. Fred Bailey then reported that the base of the flagpole on the Green was rotten and cannot find place to get wood. An extension to May 1st on the Bicentennial proposals was approved. Bills of $40.25 for Ingall's and Barbara Gilson for $104.50 were VOTED. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 P.M. I Georgia H. Williams Secretary