HomeMy WebLinkAboutVariance letter - Correspondence - 50 PETERS STREET 4/8/2024 PeD
� n y
[d q`a`our B,a'id
April 9, 2024
The City of North Andover
Attn: Zoning Board of Appeals
120 Main Street
North Andover, Ma.
Re: 50 Peters Street Application
Dear Respective Board Members,
The following is our written statement to support our variance application for the
above address.
The matter before the Board is the petition for Poyant Signs Inc. on behalf of North
Andover Ventures, LP. For the installation of a freestanding sign to replace existing.
The property in question is located in a GB Zone. with more than 3 businesses.
Per the Property Card on file "This property contains 3.1 ACRES of land mainly
classified as SHOPPING CTR with a(n) FAST FOOD style building, built
about 1970 , having BRICK VENR exterior and TAR & GRAVEL roof cover,
with 1 commercial unit(s) and 0 residential unit(s), 0 total room(s), 0 total
bedroom(s), 0 total bath(s), 2 total half bath(s), 0 total 3/4 bath(s).
Based on the above description we should not require any relief from Zoning Bylaws
Section 195-6.6D2 as it relates to sign square footage. Shopping Centers are allowed
up to 100 square feet per Section 195-6.6E3.
Additionally, we should not require relief from Section 195-6.63 as it relates to sign
height as Shopping Centers are allowed up to 20 feet high per Section 195-6.6E3.
We do seek relief from:
1) Section 195-6.6E3 as it relates to Sign Set-back.
2) Section 195-6.6A2 as it relates to internal illumination.
As to the setback relief. The request is to keep the sign out of the current
traffic pattern and avoid conflict with vehicles. This property also has a unique
characteristic with a significant buffer between the property line and the
street. This buffer keeps the sign approximately 15 feet from the road which
we believe is the intent of the bylaw as to not have signs 5 feet from the
roadway.
As to the internal illumination relief. We propose to utilize a more modern
lighting application. This application contains light spillage and at a very low
intensity to allow only the lettering to stand out with a small outline of light. A
Halo. This method is proven to produce less light pollution than your standard
external downlight or up lighting. Note the existing sign is internally
illuminated.
The attached illumination studies demonstrate the lighting output of existing
signs in the area versus our proposed application. We presented a similar study
in March of 2022 for Osgood Landing at 1450 Osgood Street and received
unanimous approval for (6) freestanding signs using this method. To date there
have been no complaints as it relates to the sign lighting being too bright or
intrusive.
Findings:
1. The request is not contrary to the public good or interest and does not conflict
with the explicit purpose of the sign ordinance. This is a replacement sign to be
located in a more visible location near the intersection. and will not alter the
character of the neighborhood, public health, safety or welfare of the public.
This is a replacement illuminated sign that has been in place for decades.
2. The spirit of the ordinance is observed. Per Section 195-6.2
"The regulation and restriction of signs within the Town of North Andover in order to protect and enhance the visual
environment of the Town for purposes of safety,convenience,information,and the welfare of its residents."
"The restricting of signs and lights which overload the public's capacity to receive information,which violate privacy,
or which increase the probability of accidents by distracting attention or obstructing vision."
3. There are no adverse effects on the property values of surrounding properties.
This is a General Business Zone with many existing lit signs. This is a
replacement illuminated sign that has been in place since 1970.
4. Literal enforcement of the code would result in unnecessary hardships on the
existing property. The existing freestanding sign is now significantly obstructed
due to the neighboring property's recent landscaping, grade changes and
retaining wall modifications for the Chase Bank development. These
modifications have rendered the existing sign to be significantly ineffective.
5. Granting of this variance will not result in substantial detriment to the public
good or result of nullifying or substantially derogating from the intent or
purpose of the by-law. Per Section 195-6.2 outlined above in Point 2.
For the foregoing reasons, I respectfully request that the Board approve the proposed
application.
Sincerely,
Gary McCoy
Ali c c ou n III q i a
Ill�3edfii:iriiJ, 11NIA, 02 7 15