Historic District Commission
Minutes
Land Use Meeting Room
April 17, 2012
Members present: Chair Jason Berger, JB; Clare Cantone, CC; Steve Sample, SS
Absent with notification: Elaine Steinert, ES
Staff present: Peggy Ammendola, PA
Alicia M. Winchell, 27-C Housatonic St., Map 43 Parcel 176, sign.
Making her presentation was Ms. Winchell. Her proposed sign will be on the storefront window.
There were no members of the public and no correspondence was received.
SS made a motion to approve the sign as presented. CC seconded the motion and the Commissioners voted to approve 3-0.
Sign regulation amendments-follow up of March 27, 2012 Planning Board meeting regarding sign regulation amendments. (Previously scheduled for HDC’s April 3, 2012 meeting, but there was not a quorum.)
There were five people in attendance, which included Mark Smith of the Planning Board.
JB stated that the purpose of tonight’s discussion was to see whether the HDC is willing to put together more specific bylaws that will permit by right signage. This would give the Building Commissioner the ability to issue a permit for a sign in the District without the applicant having to go through the normal process of HDC approval.
SS said that the Planning Board wants visuals and JB responded that although he had no objections to visuals, he feels that the bylaw would have to be so clear that pictures would not be necessary, having specific regulations as to the size, shape etc. and work within those regulations. If an applicant chose to go outside of those parameters, then the Building Commissioner would refer an applicant to the HDC for review.
Mark Smith commented that in Planning Board meetings with District business owners, they want the process streamlined
CC asked what would be the HDC’s role if they were not the hearing authority for signage. SS responded that this would allow the Commission to have more time to be proactive. He cited that years ago the Commission would walk the village a few times during the summer and take note of violations and refer to the Building Inspector for compliance. CC expressed concern regarding quality control if the HDC was not directly involved with all review and what the public’s perception would be of the Commission if they were not reviewing all signs. She questioned the possibility of the HDC continuing to be the sole reviewing authority, but shortening the time period. JB said that what it comes down to is whether the HDC is doing its job if does not review each sign application.
PA told the Commission that when an application is received, it is given priority. The bylaw requires that abutters are given 14 days’ notice. If the next meeting is at least 14 days away, the application is processed in time to give that required notice. She noted that the application reviewed tonight was received on March 30th and was being heard 18 days following the filing.
Lucy Kennedy, a member of the Historical Commission, was in attendance and offered the HDC their expertise on historical consistency. Her group plans to have one of their members attend the HDC meetings and invited the HDC to attend their meetings. They wish to be involved in the discussion on signage.
JB believes that the HDC should have their meeting to hear the public comment.
SS made a motion to extend an invitation to the general public to the May 15, 2012 HDC meeting to discuss signage. CC seconded the motion and the Commission agreed 3-0.
Approve Minutes:
February 21, 2012-SS made a motion to approve the minutes as presented and CC seconded the motion. The Commission voted to agree 3-0.
March 20, 2012-SS and KF were the only members present, therefore this meeting could not take place.
SS made a motion to adjourn and CC seconded the motion. The Commission voted 3-0 to adjourn at 635 pm.
SS and JB joined the Planning Board whose meeting was in session.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Ammendola
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