HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-05-17 Signage Corresp. SPR s
e
g
t
tkoRrti
iOF�i��n y6A,1,o
I
I 4- 04e c«win_ 5'� fi
ZJgs°qA t" �(h
SAC HUSH
I PLANNING DEPARTMENT
(ommunity Development Division
August 16, 2007
Tina Messina
San Lau Realty Trust
109 Main Street,North Andover, MA 01845
RE: Proposeccv ignage flan
Dear Ms.Messina:
This letter is being sent to you in response to the proposed signage plan for the CVS Pharmacy
located within Messina's Plaza and owned by San Lau Realty.
Messina's Plaza represents one of the main focal points and destination areas of the downtown
and is a key property in the Town's efforts to revitalize the downtown area of North Andover. The
approved site and traffic layout incorporates many of the design features that will improve the visual
character of the downtown and enhance internal/external vehicular and pedestrian movements. Signs and
lighting represent a critical component of the approval. A signage plan should aid in communication,
orientation, identify activities, express local history and character, and serve educational purposes for the
public good. Further, signage and lighting should not overload the public's capacity to receive
information or which increases the probability of accidents by distracting attention or obstructing vision.
The proposed signage plan generally complies with the requirements and intent of Zoning Bylaw,
Section 6-- Signs and Sign Lighting Regulations. However,as discussed below, a number of the
proposed signs were not approved by the Planning Board,detract from character of the downtown, and
increase visual clutter along the streetscapes. Accordingly, should San Lau and CVS desire to deviate
from my recommendations below, I would advise the Planning Board to re-open the Site Plan Special
Permit hearing, including re-notification to all abutters, in order to revisit signage and other issues that
may arise through that process.
My review is based on the plans entitled"CVS Pharmacy Store 4209,North Andover,
Massachusetts",prepared by Poyant Signs Incorporated, and dated 7/10/07 (revised 8/02/07).
(A) Front Side Elevation (Main Street)
➢ Signs labeled"Drive Thru Pharmacy"and"Beauty"Located on the Building Fagade must be
eliminated.
a. The signs noted above should be eliminated as these signs increase visual clutter and offer
redundant information along Main Street. Keep in mind that the existing CVS Pharmacy at
this location has operated at the property for years, and is a well-known fixture on Main
Street so the signs noted above are not necessary to the operations of the new pharmacy
store. Further,as stated within the design guidelines of the Zoning Bylaw, signs should not
contain selling slogans or other advertising, which is not an integral part of the name or other
1600 Osgood Street,North Andover,Massa€husetts 01845
Phone 978.688.9535 Fax 978,688.9542 Web www.lownoinorlhandover.com
E
u
identification of the enterprise. However, the proposed CVS Pharmacy sign as well as the
"Drive-Thru Pharmacy" and"Full Service" signs are acceptable as they aid in directing the
user to the drive-through facility. I would recommend that the sign located closest to the
outer land be re-labeled as"Prescription Pick/Drop Off Only"if that second sign was meant
to direct traffic to the outer lane of the drive through facility. If you would prefer to include
signs other than the signs approved as noted above, I would recommend to the Planning
Board that you file a modification to the Site Plan Review Special Permit.
(B)Right Side Elevation (First Street)
➢ Sign labeled "Drive Thru Pharmacy"on the canopy must be eliminated.
a. The"Drive Thru Pharmacy" sign on the drive-up canopy was not shown on the approved
plan set and would require a modification to the Site Plan Review Special Permit.
b. Further, this sign increases visual clutter and redundant information along First Street.
c. However, I would be amenable to the increase in the CVS Sign lettering to 18 inches, and
that the other"Drive-Thru"and "Photo Shop" signs can remain.
(C)Directional - SC
➢ Directional sign labeled"Drive Thru Pharmacy"and shown on the plans as Sign C3,
a. Sign not shown on the approved plan set and would require a modification to the Site Plan
Review Special Permit.
b. Further, the sign increases visual clutter and redundant information along First Street. The
signage proposed above the entrance and exit of the drive-through facility provide sufficient
communication, orientation,and identification of the use.
(D)Pylon Sign (Main Street)
➢ Sign not shown on the approved plan set and would require a modification to the Site Plan
Review Special Permit.
➢ The Planning Board worked diligently with San Lau Realty to develop a landscape plan to
enhance the streetscape along Main Street. The proposed sign would displace a number of
important landscape elements. Given the limited number of deciduous and ornamental trees
proposed for the sight, any reduction would have a dramatic impact on the streetscape.
➢ Further,the sign increases visual clutter along Main Street.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office at the number below.
Sincerely,
Lincoln Daley
Town Planner
1600 Osgood Sireet,North Andover,Mossochoseits 01845
Phone 978.688.9535 Fox 978.688.9542 Web www.1ownofno0hondova.com