College Town dispensary sign review deferred after board requests design alternatives

The Planning and Development Board deferred action on a sign package for College Town Dispensary at 105 Dryden Road on Sept. 23 and asked the applicant to return with revised options that better fit the building’s architectural character.
Applicants proposed two painted wood window signs (22 square feet each) mounted in landlord‑approved window locations. The applicant said window placement is constrained by the lease and landlord rules and that the signs had already been manufactured.
Board members praised the existing window decals and the storefront’s current appearance but said the proposed two-panel wood boards and the color treatment appear oversized and visually aggressive for the building’s transom glazing and College Town streetscape. Some members suggested a single sign rather than two, or a background color treatment that reduces visual contrast (for example, black background with white lettering) and asked for alternatives including reduced width or different font treatments that retain brand identity while being subordinate to the building.
Because the board did not have a quorum comfortable adopting one option tonight, it directed the applicant to return with alternatives (one sign option and a reduced-width option or different background color) and to consider repainting or adjusting the already-made signs if feasible. The board noted its obligation to balance business visibility with compatibility with College Town’s pedestrian character.
No vote was taken; the applicant was advised to return with mock-ups or an in-person sample if possible, and staff suggested the applicant may bring the item to the Planning Review Committee (PRC) for early feedback prior to the next board meeting.