The most notable item on the agenda was the proposal by Greg Roy, owner of the property on Massav, seeking a dimensional variance for a business sign. Roy outlined plans for a 6,000-square-foot office building to house his engineering business, DS and Roy. The proposal included a sign placed 21 feet from the edge of the right-of-way, featuring two granite posts and a classic monument design. The board scrutinized the application, especially the proposed placement of the sign, which deviated from the standard distance requirements. Roy argued that adhering strictly to the regulations would render the sign ineffective, as it would be pushed nearly 40 feet from the road, reducing its visibility. He assured the board that the placement maintained safe sight distances for traffic.

A point of discussion was the sign’s lighting, which included LED downlit strips to enhance visibility, particularly during darker months. The board raised concerns about the impact of continuous lighting on the surrounding area, especially on residents across the street. It was noted that the immediate vicinity included a garage, which lessened worries about residential disturbance. Despite this, the board suggested implementing a timer to turn off the lights at a reasonable hour, such as 8 or 9 PM, to further mitigate any potential disruptions. The applicant agreed to this condition, aligning with the board’s intent to balance business needs with community well-being.

Further examination of the application revealed queries about the sign’s dimensions. The proposal detailed a 6.5-foot tall structure, smaller than some neighboring signs. The board discussed visibility and compliance with zoning bylaws, ultimately determining that the applicant was not seeking relief from size requirements but rather the location variance. Roy expressed willingness to adjust the sign’s dimensions if necessary to comply with any restrictions imposed by the building commissioner.

The board’s decision came after a review of the application’s technical aspects, including visual renderings and site plans. Roy provided comprehensive documentation supporting his proposal, emphasizing that the design and placement were consistent with the area’s aesthetics and would not pose a safety hazard.

In concluding the matter, a motion was made to approve the deviation allowing the sign’s placement 22 feet from the street, with conditions ensuring periodic reviews for compliance. The board unanimously supported the motion.

Following the resolution of Roy’s application, the board addressed procedural matters, including the election of a new chair and vice chair. Initially, there were no nominations for the chair position until a member nominated the current chair, who accepted the role after receiving unanimous support. Similarly, the vice chair position was filled after a nomination and favorable vote.