WESTFIELD—TheWestfieldPlanning Board met for its monthly meeting on Monday, where members voted on and passed two land use ordinances regarding signage that were referred from the town council. The first ordinance amended the land-use ordinance to clarify permitted awning-sign dimensions while the second ordinance amended the land-use ordinance related to projecting signs.The ordinances will now be sent back to the council for formal approval.
“The two ordinances both deal with our signage regulations,” said Town Planner Donald Sammet. “The first ordinance, No. 2024-05, really just permits the awning-sign dimensions. There’s no change in what the allowed dimensions are or any additional regulation in place. We’re looking to eliminate what is an apparent conflicting provision. The ordinance regulates the number of signs but what we are talking about this evening are the permitted sign dimensions for awning signs.”
The town planner went on to discuss the currently-permitted dimensions, which is eight inches. The main entrance signs have different dimensional maximums with a 12-inch height and also cover 75 percent of the storefront. Main entrance signs are considered wall-mounted signs.
“What they’re doing is making sure the awning sign is eight inches in height and that the main entrance sign is considered a wall-mounted sign with different dimensions,” Mr. Sammet explained.
The next ordinance, No. 2024-06, consists of two parts and relates to projecting signs, which also are known as blade signs. One part is to clarify existing language that states projecting signs are not permitted in upper-story businesses or upper stories.
“Staff was asked to look at if projecting signs should be permitted on upper stories and upper-story businesses, but the recommendation was still a no, as it can contribute to sign clutter,” Mr. Sammet said.
Any directories for upper-story businesses would need to be at ground level at the entrances, and upper stories are allowed to have signs in windows.
Both ordinances passed, but planning board memberAnastasia Harrison voted against the second ordinance, stating that she disagreed with the second- story blade signs.
“I disagree with the second-story blade signs,” Ms. Harrison said. “This is a disadvantage because there are blade signs created in such a way that it enhances the street level. The opportunity for the walk-in community that we have don’t realize that there are businesses upstairs. We don’t really see signs for our businesses upstairs.As our downtown continues to grow and there are more businesses upstairs, I think we need something in place at the ground and eye level. I think blade signs add interest to the street, in my opinion, and the overall vibe of downtown feels more friendly, and not having the opportunity as a second-story business doesn’t seem fair to me.”
However, most members were in support of the ordinances and felt that they communicated the desired aesthetics that align with the town’s master plan.
“I think these two ordinances have really clarified what we’re looking for in terms of business aesthetics and they are both in accordance with the Master Plan,” board member Michael La Place said.
