Committee approves Freeride Montpelier sign panel and relocation at 89 Berry Street

The Montpelier Design Review Committee approved a dual request from Morning Star Properties and Freeride Montpelier to install a printed sign panel and relocate an existing front-mounted sign to the side of the building at 89 Berry Street.

Brian Fitzgerald, a volunteer for Freeride Montpelier, told the committee the project has two parts: a new double-sided printed panel made of plywood with a PVC or plastic printed surface to fill an empty sign panel, and relocation of an existing wall sign to better indicate the bike-shop entrance at the rear of the building. Fitzgerald also said a small directional sign currently mounted low on the building will be removed.

Committee members offered practical suggestions to improve wayfinding. Eric suggested a directional arrow or a projecting/hanging sign to indicate the rear entrance; Liz also recommended adding an arrow near the relocated sign. Meredith Crandall, planning staff, advised the applicant that an “open” flag can be used near the door without a permit and that projecting signs are allowed only in limited configurations, meaning the applicant may need a separate submittal to add a hanging sign if they choose that option. “That doesn’t need a permit. So because of the open flag… it doesn’t need to go to design review either,” Crandall said.

Fitzgerald said the existing solar panels used for sign lighting will be relocated and that the Freeride sign itself will not be illuminated. The committee voted in favor of the submitted sign plans; members present voiced approval during roll call and staff said the permit will be mailed to the shop address within a few days.

No required changes were imposed beyond suggestions for optional additional wayfinding elements; staff offered to provide size limits for an open flag and additional guidance by email.