The board first addressed Application 25006, which sought an amendment to an already approved site plan for Compass New Jersey LLC. The amendment centered on replacing a previously approved generic building name sign with a branded Compass sign, prominently mounted above the entrance driveway. The sign, featuring an 18-inch letter size and a total graphic area of 17.81 square feet, would be positioned at a height exceeding the first-floor level, necessitating a variance.

Rich Keller, a civil engineer, provided expert testimony on behalf of Compass New Jersey LLC. He detailed the site’s layout and the reasoning behind the requested variance, emphasizing that the new sign would offer a cleaner and more concise brand representation. Keller argued that this change aligned with the original variance’s spirit, contributing positively to the downtown area’s vibrancy and potentially enhancing leasing opportunities for the building.

The board deliberated over the potential impacts of allowing such signage changes, including the precedent it might set for future tenants. A proposal was considered to allow future signage changes without additional board approval, provided they met the original stipulations regarding letter size and total area.

Further exploration into the signage’s technical aspects ensued, focusing on the mounting method and its implications for the building’s exterior. The board weighed the option of stipulating conditions for sign installation to preserve the façade’s integrity, particularly in the context of historic buildings in the township. However, it was acknowledged that newer structures, like the one in question, could be more easily modified without compromising their appearance.

The board also reviewed the existing lighting plan for the sign, confirming that the current fixtures would adequately illuminate the new signage as intended. Any future modifications to the lighting setup would require additional board approval to ensure compliance with the initial conditions.

As the discussion concluded, the board expressed a consensus on balancing business needs with community standards. They approved the application, allowing Compass New Jersey LLC the flexibility to install its branded sign while adhering to the established parameters. This approval retained all conditions from the original site plan approval unless inconsistent with the new request.

The meeting then progressed to a brief public comment session, with no additional input received. Subsequently, the board moved to an executive session to discuss pending litigation involving the Center for Living Judaism and the county.