Historic District Commission
Minutes
Land Use Meeting Room
August 4, 2009
Members present: Chair Ken Fowler, KF; Jason Berger, JB; Jim Harwood, JH; Steve Sample, SS; Elaine Steinert, ES
Staff present: Mary Albertson, Town Planner, MA; Peggy Ammendola, Land Use Clerk, PA
Lenox Village Integrative Pharmacy 6 Main Street, Map 43 Parcel 166, sign. Applicant asked that this be rescheduled from July 21, 2009.
Joseph Martragono stated that about 14 months ago, the Commission approved the pharmacy’s request for awnings which have upon them a 6 square foot oval signage with “Healthy Living Center”. This signage has proven to not be effective, nor does it identify the business as a pharmacy. The proposal is to eliminate the signage on the awnings, and to install two new signs in addition to replacing the one which is on the building directory.
Dick Marchetto, who will manufacture the sign, met with the building inspectors, Bill Thornton and Don Fitzgerald to visit the site. Mr. Thornton reviewed with Mr. Marchetto what signage and size signage is allowed in the District. This proposal is within the limitations. The wall sign will be placed in the same location as the previous Lenox Chamber sign, the second sign will be free standing, double sided, and third is the one on the community sign.
The Commission recessed for a site visit and returned to resume the meeting.
The Commission feels that they should establish consistency for signs so that other tenants, should they desire to put up signage, the signs will relate to one another.
JH made a motion to accept the amended proposal as presented except:
1) Post will be black, white, or Essex Green
2) Free standing sign is not to exceed 6 feet in height. Building mounted sign to be rounded top and bottom plus or minus 25 inches tall by plus or minus 55 inches wide. The top of the building mounted sign will align with the Curtis Shops sign to the west. SS seconded the motion. The Commission voted to approve 4-0-1 with JB casting the abstaining vote.
Tabitha Vahle 7 Walker Street, Map 43 Parcel 166 (In the Curtis), sign. Continued from July 7, 2009.
Letter of support from Paula Almgren was read into the record.
Ms. Vahle presented her proposed layout for her sign.
JH made a motion to approve the sign as submitted with the following comments:
1) The sign post will be mounted to the building side of railing
2) Sign will be a maximum of six feet above sidewalk
3) Sign will not exceed six square feet
SS seconded the motion and the commission voted 3-0 to approve.
Ken Fowler, 25 Church St., Map 43 Parcel 168, addition of a second floor egress from apartment to comply with fire safety regulations.
KF recused himself as he is the new owner of this property. JB assumed the position of Chair. KF told the Commission that the purchase of the property triggered an inspection by the Building Inspector. As a result of that inspection, he has to bring the building into compliance.
ES made a motion to approve the design and material of the staircase that will provide egress to a second floor apartment with the addition of design changes suggested by JH. The changes include a skirt to wrap the posts and added decking at the bottom. The structure will also be painted. SS seconded the motion. The Commission voted to approve 4-0-1 with JB abstaining.
KF resumed his position as the Chair.
Minutes:
May 19, 2009- JH made a motion to approve the minutes and ES seconded the motion 4-0-1 with SS abstaining.
June 2, 2009- JH made a motion to approve the minutes and SS seconded the motion. The Commission voted to approve 4-0-1. ES abstained as she was not at that meeting.
July 21, 2009- JH made a motion to approve the minutes and SS seconded the motion. The Commission voted to approve 3-0-2 with ES and JB abstaining as they were not at this meeting.
JB made a motion to adjourn at 7:40 pm. SS seconded the motion and the Commission voted to approve 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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