Minutes March 28, 2013
The Northampton Zoning Board of Appeals Zoning Board
Minutes of Meeting
March 28, 2013
City of Northampton Council Chambers, 212 Main St., Northampton, MA
Members Present: Time
Chair, David Bloomberg
Vice Chair, Malcolm B. “Barry” Smith
Sara Northrup
Bob Riddle, Assoc. Member
Elizabeth Silver, Associate Member
Staff:
Senior Planner, Carolyn Misch
Planning Director, Wayne Feiden
5:30 PM.
David Bloomberg opened the request by Callahan Sign, LLC Special Permit for a 30’ tall
ground sign/additional wall signs at Chrysler-55 Damon Rd, Northampton, Map ID 18D-026.
James Callihan of Callahan sign presented the request for the ground sign and the wall signs.
The Board discussed the precedent that may have been set by the decision on a 35’ tall ground sign
request one month prior. There was further discussion about the intent of the City plan to create gateways
with fewer signs and lower signs and the nature of this parcel relative to dealerships across the road and
around the corner.
Anthony Triano, owner of dealership suggested that the proximity of the highway was a reason for
allowing a taller sign so they could be visible from both directions.
Staff described call from neighbors, same neighbors who had protested the Bridge Street sign application.
There was no other public comment.
Elizabeth Silver asked about the sign lights.
Callahan noted that the wall signs would be internally illuminated with LED lights. The pylon sign
would have lights only to backlight the letters themselves and not the whole sign.
David Bloomberg asked about the hours for the lights and if they would be on a timer.
Triano noted that they planned to put them on a timer to go on at dusk to midnight.
Elizabeth Silver asked if a condition that would allow them only after 8 am and up to 9 PM would work?
Triano stated it would.
Elizabeth Silver asked about the same condition for the wall sign lights.
Upon motion by Malcolm Smith and second by Elizabeth Silver, the board voted unanimously to close
the hearing and grant the special permit for the wall signs, but deny the request for the 30’ tall ground
sign with a condition that the lights be on only between 8 am and 9 pm.
Upon motion by Elizabeth Silver and second by Malcolm Smith the board voted unanimously to approve
the minutes of 2-28, 1-10 and 12-13
5:55 motion and approval to adjourn.