Georgios proposes new electronic sign to boost visibility in Manchester

The Planning Board of Manchester, New Hampshire, convened on February 20, 2025, to discuss a proposal for a new electronic message center sign for Georgios Restaurant. The meeting began with the restaurant manager, who is also the owner's wife, presenting the need for a larger sign to enhance visibility, particularly for drivers approaching from Granite Street and the nearby SNHU Arena.

The proposed sign would replace two existing signs at the corner of the property, featuring a static electronic message center beneath the restaurant's name. The manager emphasized that the current signage is obscured by trees and lacks visibility, which has hindered the restaurant's ability to attract customers. The new sign is designed to comply with local regulations, allowing for message changes every five seconds without any scrolling or flashing content.

Board members raised concerns regarding the sign's placement and potential distractions for drivers, particularly given the proximity to traffic lights. The manager responded by noting that the sign would be positioned far enough from the lights to avoid interference and that similar signs in the area have been approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Further discussions highlighted the balance between business needs and public safety. Some board members expressed apprehension about increasing distractions at a busy intersection, while others pointed out that many businesses utilize similar signage without incident. The manager assured the board that the sign would primarily display static images and would not include video capabilities, as their company disables such features to maintain compliance with safety standards.

Public comments were invited, but no members of the community chose to speak on the matter. The board concluded the discussion by addressing procedural questions regarding the need for a compliance hearing due to the proposed changes to the site plan. Ultimately, the board acknowledged the importance of the proposal for the restaurant's visibility while also considering the safety implications for drivers in the area.

The meeting underscored the ongoing dialogue between local businesses and city officials regarding signage regulations, visibility, and public safety, with the board set to deliberate further on the proposal in upcoming sessions.