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TOWN OF READING <br />COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION <br />Minutes for Meeting dated: March 10, 2003 <br />Luke states that up to half of the allowed square footage on the sign in front can <br />go on the side, as permitted by the by-laws, and describes the proposed signage <br />to that effect. <br />The by-law also allows up to 6" of interior window sign, which is proposed along <br />a band at the bottom of the frontage window. <br />PD arrives at 8:22 PM. <br />RH explained he has reviewed the application and was looking for a different <br />color scheme. <br />He is concerned about a change in nearby tenant occupancy and would like to <br />see uniformity in the fagade and signage. <br />Signage uniformity, particularly for building with multiple tenants, is a standard <br />the Commission is trying to adopt. <br />NS says uniformity is desired. <br />RH explains to the applicant that CPDC has just assumed sign review from an <br />independent board and is looking to achieve a design standard that compliments <br />the overall economic climate of the downtown. This would be in the best interest <br />of the Town and the Applicants, who would benefit from a commercial <br />streetscape that would attract clientele. <br />PD comments that the Simms jewelers across the street has separate signs and he <br />would prefer to see separate signs for Nextel and Sunsations. He knows Nextel <br />has a corporate logo, but he feels that this is more of a billboard style that is not <br />conducive to a classy downtown. He likes the scalloped effect in the Bedford <br />signage example Luke provided. There may be too much crowding in the current <br />proposal. <br />RH comments that the burgundy color is too strong and perhaps a black and <br />white lettering would be better. <br />Down the street in the Business B district near Main and Haven there is a more <br />uniform standard with white or gold lettering on dark signs. <br />MF feels the application as proposed is contrary to what they are trying to <br />achieve for the area, i.e. uniform design standards. <br />CR explains the concerns of the Building Inspector about imposing design <br />guidelines that aren't in the zoning by-law. <br />RH replies that the by-law gives the Commission the necessary authority to <br />review and approve design standards. <br />Luke explains the process of designing the sign. The Building Inspector told <br />them that they couldn't separate the sign. <br />It could be done more like the Bedford design if the Building Inspector approves <br />it. <br />Page 2 of 5 <br />