Planning commission approves sign variance for Brown Park Shopping Center

The Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 11 approved a graphic-sign variance for Brown Park Shopping Center that allows larger uniform backer panels and slightly more signage area for tenant storefronts. The commission voted 6-0 to approve case PZ-25-45 with two staff conditions.

The vote implements a proposal to reface the center’s central storefront area and install 16-foot and 9-foot backer panels for larger and smaller tenant spaces, respectively, and to allow roughly 1.5 square feet of signage per linear foot of frontage where the code currently allows a 1-to-1 ratio. Planning department staff recommended approval, saying the changes are “generally consistent with the spirit and intent of the code” and not detrimental to surrounding properties.

Planning staff presented the site and the proposed sign panels and lighting. The staff presentation described three gooseneck lighting fixtures for the larger panels and two for the smaller ones and noted that existing large tenant signs for Batteries Plus and Subway would remain until those tenants’ leases expire; new tenants would be required to follow the approved sign plan. The staff presentation concluded with a recommendation of approval with two conditions. The staff presentation was summarized in the meeting record as: “Staff finds that the proposed sign variance is not substantial or detrimental to the property owners surrounding property owners. Based on these findings, staff recommends approval with the following 2 conditions.” (Planning staff)

Bruce Summerfeld, listed in the record as the applicant, told commissioners the central portion of the center is “very dated and very unsightly” and said the intent of the refacing is to replace deteriorated vertical cladding with a horizontal composite cladding that “looks more like wood” but is a man-made composite designed to avoid long-term rot. Summerfeld said the sign panels are intended to create a uniform look and reduce repeated facade penetrations caused by individual channel-letter signs. “This upgrade is certainly a more user friendly to the center and the facade to have the backup with the panels rather than the individual letters,” Summerfeld said.

Commissioners asked about materials, lighting, and how existing tenant signs would be handled during lease terms; the applicant said the material is a synthetic composite and that Batteries Plus and Subway have retained their signs until lease expirations because of cost and lease timing. No members of the public spoke on the case.

Formal action: a commissioner moved to approve PZ-25-45 with the two staff conditions; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll call vote of 6-0. The roll call in the record shows affirmative votes from Commissioners Marsh, Moog, Italiano, Chair Schneck, Martin and Vice Chair Papsidero. The record lists the motion outcome as “Motion carries 6 0.”

The commission’s approval authorizes the specific graphic-sign variance described in the staff report and requires the conditions attached in the staff recommendation; the staff report did not specify additional permitting steps beyond compliance with the conditions and the approved sign plan. The staff report noted the center had an earlier, nearby Kroger signage package from 1986 as a visual precedent but did not identify additional regulatory approvals required beyond the commission’s action.

Less critical details: staff noted the Batteries Plus and Subway signs will remain until lease expirations; once those leases end, new tenant signage must conform to the approved plan. The commission’s minutes show no requests for further staff follow-up beyond the two conditions of approval.