Waiting for a Sign

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The Franklin Design Review Commission met via Zoom on Tuesday Evening. Chair James R. Bartro, as well as vice chair Samuel Williams, members Gerald Wood, KP Sompally, and Mark Fitzgerald participated as did town staff member, Maxine Kinhart.

The Commission worked through a slate of matters seeking approval, the first being Penske at 25 Discovery Way which sought to replace an existing “monument” sign at the same location, expanding its dimensions slightly to 38 square feet and placing on the same piers.

Heather Dudko from Penske noted that the zoning where the company is located would allow a sign of up to 60 square feet. The proposed sign will be constructed from aluminum, wrapped in vinyl and lighted externally, she said

The board unanimously approved the proposed sign.

They gave similar treatment to New England Chapel at 300 East Central Street which sought permission to install both a wall sign and a monument sign.

Next up was C3 Industries at 105 Constitution. Their request was for signage showing the delivery route to the building and lettering over the entrance door.

This too was approved.

More discussion was involved when discussing an application from NETA, a Franklin-based cannabis company that will be opening at 162 Grove Street, likely in November.

The applicant stated that they wanted to place a temporary sign saying "Coming Soon" to minimize the number of inquiries and follow that with a "Now Open," when appropriate.

The commissioners reviewed what had already been proposed, a statutory 30-day limit on temporary signs, and noted that the Building Commissioner has jurisdiction over temporary signs, but ultimately approved the plan with conditions.

The Commission then reviewed and approved minutes from prior meetings.

Before closing out the meeting, Bartro referred to information he had shared with the Commissioners and mentioned the issue of sign technology, which has advanced significantly since the last major changes were made in the bylaw. Currently, many forms of signs, for example using LED and LCD technology – or any form of moving element – are largely prohibited.

Bartro said the goal of the existing legislation had been to limit garish displays but now, for example, some windows can even be equipped with thin electronic display material that might not be covered under existing regulations.

He asked the Commissioners to familiarize themselves with the material and the issues and come back next time to discuss it further.

And, he also warned them that deciding to move ahead with a revision of the bylaw would involve many, many hours of work and many, many meetings.

Shortly thereafter, the Commission voted to adjourn for the evening.

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