HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.1.13 Minutes ZBA
APPROVED
Town of North Andover
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Members Associate Member
Michael T. Lis., Chair Matthew J. Ginsburg
Laura Craig-Comin, Vice-Chair Zachary J. Hachey
Frank J. Killilea, Clerk Melissa Rutherford
James M. Testa Zoning Enforcement Officer
Alexandria A. Jacobs, Esq Paul G. Hutchins
MEETING MINUTES
Date of Meeting: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Time of Meeting: 7:30 p.m.
Location of Meeting: Town Hall, 120 Main Street, North Andover, MA 01845
Signature: Terri MacNeil
1. Call to Order called at 7:30 p.m.
Members Present: Michael T. Lis, Alexandria A. Jacobs, Esq. Frank J. Killilea, James M. Testa,
Melissa Rutherford and Laura Craig-Comin
Staff Present: Terri MacNeil
Gavel given to: Michael T. Lis, Chair
Pledge of Allegiance
2. Acceptance of Minutes from September 9, 2025 and November 25, 2025 Meetings
J. Testa makes a motion to accept the minutes from the September 9, 2025 Zoning Board of
Appeals meeting; L. Craig-Comin seconded the motion. Unanimous vote to accept the minutes
from the September 9, 2025 meeting.
L. Craig- Comin makes a motion to accept the minutes from the November 25, 2025 Zoning
Board of Appeals meeting; J. Testa seconded the motion. Michael T. Lis was not present at the
November 25, 2025 meeting, so he did not vote on their acceptance, Alexandria A. Jacobs, Esq.
Frank J. Killilea and James M. Testa voted to accept the minutes from the November 25, 2025
meeting.
3. New Public Hearing of 350 Winthrop Avenue
The petition of Heather Hopkins Dudko of American Sign, Inc. for property at 350 Winthrop
Avenue. The Applicant is requesting a Variance pursuant to Town of North Andover Zoning
Bylaws Section 195-6.5A, for the specific relief to allow an internally illuminated set of channel
letters to be installed onto the façade of the building.
The board is discussing a variance request for internal illumination of channel letters and under-
canopy blade signs for new tenants (HomeGoods and Marshalls) in a plaza already containing
Market Basket and TJ Maxx with internally lit signs.
Notices and agendas are to be posted 48 hours in advance of a meeting excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. Please keep in mind the
Town Clerk's hours of operation and make necessary arrangements to be sure that posting is made in an adequate amount of time. A listing of topics
the Chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at a meeting are to be listed on the Agenda. Note: Matters may be called out of order and not as
they appear in the Agenda.
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Town of North Andover
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
The key points of the discussion are:
Signs needing a variance: Channel letters and under-canopy blade signs for each tenant require
approval for internal illumination. The main monument sign is already internally illuminated.
Blade Signs: They are also referred to as "under-canopy signs" (12 by 2.5 square feet) and stick
out 30 inches from the building, intended for pedestrian visibility on the sidewalk, not visible from
the main road (Route 114).
Consistency/Justification: The applicants argue for internal illumination for consistency with the
existing anchor tenants (Market Basket, TJ Maxx), branding, and customer identification,
especially in winter. The building is heavily set back from the busy road (Route 114).
Board Opinions:
o Some members support it, arguing it doesn't pose a detriment due to the area's existing
lighting, the building's setback, and the modern look of channel lighting compared to
external lamps. It's seen as optimal for visibility in this specific location.
o A. Jacobs expressed a dislike for internally illuminated signs and the projecting blade
signs, preferring externally lit or halo-lit signs, though she acknowledges it may be a
matter of taste and ultimately votes to approve for consistency.
Other Sign Types Mentioned: Halo-lit/backlit letters (e.g., Amazon facility, a salon in the plaza)
are discussed as a preferred alternative by some.
L. Craig-Comin makes a motion to close public comment, J. Testa seconded the motion.
Board Deliberates
J. Testa asked if any abutters came forward, they did not.
Motion and Vote: A motion was made by F. Killilea and seconded by L. Craig-Comin and
unanimously approved to grant the variance for the internally illuminated channel letters and
under-canopy blade signs, referencing:
(1) Plans that include 6 sheets by American Sign, Inc., dated October 22, 2025; and
(2) 1 Sheet labeled DSM Realty dated July 10, 2025.
4. Administrative Matters
J. Testa makes a motion to approve the 2026 Calendar L. Craig-Comin seconded the
motion, vote was unanimous to approve the 2026 calendar.
M. Lis mentioned that the 2026 officer elections will be placed on the February 10, 2026
Agenda. He is willing to remain Chair for another year, L. Craig-Comin is willing to
remain Vice-Chair unless someone else wants the position. F. Killilea is willing to remain
Clerk, unless someone wants the position.
5. Adjournment: 8:15 P.M.
Motion made by A. Jacobs to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by J. Testa. The vote to adjourn is
unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
ZBA Minutes for November 25, 2025
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