Historic District Commission
Minutes
Land Use Meeting Room
September 20, 2011
Members present: Chair Jason Berger, JB; Clare Cantone, CC; Ken Fowler, KF;
Steve Sample, SS; Elaine Steinert, ES
Staff present: Peggy Ammendola, PA
Callahan Sign Company 25 Main St., Map 43 Parcel 20, remove all existing Legacy Bank Signs and install signs for Berkshire Bank.
James Callahan of Callahan Sign Company presented the application and stated that his company has been hired by Berkshire Bank who recently acquired Legacy Banks to change the signs of the former bank to Berkshire Bank. The existing signs are metal with matt finish paint and raised lettering and the proposal is doing the same but with the new name. Mr. Callahan reviewed each sign proposed. One sign identified as the “Wealth Management” sign is actually two signs, with the “Wealth Management” hanging from the larger one. It was pointed out to Mr. Callahan that a hanging sign is not allowed in the District, therefore it was suggested that the two separate signs that are attached be combined into one. Mr. Callahan agreed. This sign would be two feet by approximately
2 feet 8 inches in size.
ES made a motion to accept the new signs as presented, with the exception of removing the chains on the “Wealth Management” smaller sign and making the two signs into one sign. CC seconded the motion and the Commission voted to agree 5-0.
Hoff’s Mobil, 90 Main St., Map 43 Parcel 192, remodeling. Continued from September 6, 2011.
Present was Dan O’Brien, owner of O’Brien’s Market and his attorney Alexandra Glover; George Jordan; and Bera Danau of the Beacon.
A site visit was conducted on September 12, 2011 and attended by Commissioners JB and KF; Glen Hoff, Harry Pasila, Dan O’Brien, Alexandra Glover and George Jordan.
JB read an email that had just been received by Mr. Pasila, architect for Mr. Hoff, in which he stated that he respectfully requested to withdraw the application.
Other business:
JB advised that the HDC received a letter dated September 13, 2011 from the Lenox Garden Club regarding the sign placed at Lilac Park which announced a proposal for the installation of a gazebo at the park. The sign had been approved in August 2010 by the HDC for a definitive period which ended on September 15, 2011. The garden club asked that the sign be removed and stated that their Club is opposed to the construction of the gazebo in Lilac Park. The Lenox Garden Club requests that they be involved in any future dialogue about park use. The letter, signed by Pamela Breslin and Susan Dana, was read into the record and it was noted that a copy of the letter was also sent to the Board of Selectmen. JB suggested that the letter and a copy of the HDC’s August 2010 approval of the sign be
forwarded to the Building Inspector. SS made a motion to forward the Lenox Garden Club’s letter and the HDC’s approval to Bill Thornton. CC seconded the motion and the Commission voted to agree 4-0-1. KF abstained. (On September 22, PA emailed both documents to Bill Thornton, Building Commissioner.)
Minutes:
May 17, 2011-SS made a motion to approve the minutes of May 17, 2011 and KF seconded the motion. The Commission voted to approve 4-0-1. CC abstained as she was not present at that meeting.
June 7, 2011 SS made a motion to approve the minutes of June 17, 2011 and CC seconded the motion. The Commission voted to approve 3-0-2. ES and KF abstained as they were not present at that meeting.
Aug.16, 2011 CC made a motion to approve the minutes of August 16, 2011 and SS seconded the motion. The Commission voted to approve 3-0-2. JB and KF abstained as they were not present at that meeting.
Sept. 6, 2011 KF made a motion to approve the minutes of September 6, 2011 and CC seconded the motion. The Commission voted to approve 3-0-2. ES and SS abstained as they were not present at that meeting.
KF made a motion to adjourn at 6:19 pm and CC seconded the motion. The Commission voted to adjourn 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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