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ZBA limits Citizens Bank ATM signage; denies additional illuminated signs after neighbor concerns
Summary
The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a single, unlit directional sign on the approach side of a proposed Citizens Bank drive‑up ATM at 768 Elm Street and denied five other signage variances after neighbors raised concerns about nighttime light and visibility toward nearby residences.
On March 13 the Town of Concord Zoning Board of Appeals granted a variance allowing one unlit, approach-facing sign for a proposed Citizens Bank drive‑up ATM at 768 Elm Street and denied five additional sign variances requested by the applicant.
Heather Dutko, representing the sign installer and the tenant, told the board the proposal included two illuminated vertical signs and illuminated lettering on the ATM canopy and unit; the package totaled about 35 square feet of illuminated signage on the machine and canopy. "Their priority for the signage is the two sets of lettering on the side, the vertical, and the lettering on the ATM machine itself," Dutko said.
Neighbors raised concerns about illuminated signage facing residences and potential nighttime glare. Holly Rothermel, who lives behind the site, said lights from the new development already affect her and asked why additional signage was needed at the rear of the building: "I don't see why we need extra signage added to that in the back of this place that just faces us, basically." The board also questioned the need for the labeling "virtual assistant" on the machine and asked for more detail about lighting and hours.
After discussion, a board member moved to grant a single, unlit sign on the approach side of the ATM shelter for wayfinding and to deny the remaining requested variances, including illuminated back signs and signage on the virtual assistant element. The motion passed on an aye vote. The board and applicant discussed the option to return with revised drawings; the applicant was asked to provide a more detailed lighting/photometrics plan if they seek additional signage in future filings.
The board recorded the one‑sign approval and denied the other five requested variances; the decision included the requirement that the approved sign be unlit and that no Citizens branding be placed on the back-facing side of the shelter.
