22:50A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to Tyle Onology’s request for a signage waiver on Carnegie Center. The applicant sought to install a facade sign on the southern side of the building, emphasizing the necessity for visibility from Route One due to the absence of multiple facade signs within the complex. The proposed sign would feature illuminated letters to enhance visibility at night, a factor for Tyle Onology given its substantial occupancy of the building.

41:04The waiver involved permitting a sign larger than the standard 50 square feet and a height exceeding the allowable 18 inches. The applicant proposed a maximum height of 36 inches, citing the need for visibility from both Route One and internal roadways. During the discussion, the applicant explained that the chosen location would ensure visibility without disrupting the existing landscaping, avoiding tree removal—a concern due to the campus’s extensive greenery.

22:50Mike Thomas from TnM engineering consultancy, along with Richard Crawford from Bou Signs, provided technical insights into the sign’s materials and design. They highlighted that the sign would be composed of fabricated aluminum with LED lighting, creating a halo effect for nighttime visibility. The letters would be three inches deep, with the LED lights housed inside to maintain a clean aesthetic.

The board deliberated on the implications of granting such a waiver, weighing the need for tenant visibility against existing regulations. Questions arose regarding the consistency of facade signage at Carnegie Center, typically reserved for substantial tenants like Tyle Onology, which occupies over 50% of the building. The applicant pointed out that not all single-tenant buildings receive such signage, and Tyle Onology’s status as a significant tenant justified the exception.

41:04The discussion also touched on the visibility challenges posed by existing vegetation and structures. Board members referenced past applications, such as those for Rite Aid and Walgreens, where signage dimensions were a consideration. Comparisons were made to ensure the proposed sign would not overwhelm the building’s facade or disrupt the site’s visual harmony.

David Noak from Verge’s Associates presented a memo supporting the application, noting that strict enforcement of signage regulations would be impractical given the site’s layout. He argued that the sign’s placement was necessary for visibility from the main access drives, with distances ranging from 400 to 680 feet. He supported the dimensions of the proposed sign, stating that it accounted for only 3% of the facade area, thus maintaining a balanced appearance.

Public comments were invited, although no members of the public came forward to speak. The board then voted on the motion to approve the signage application, including the two requested waivers. The approval was unanimous.

0:00The meeting also involved the formal swearing-in of reappointed board members and the election of Mike Karp as chairman. Procedural guidelines for 2025 were reviewed and adopted, setting the meeting times and confirming administrative roles. Liaison reports were briefly discussed, with members expressing gratitude for each other’s service.