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Citizens Bank sign variance continued after board feedback on location and visibility
Summary
Citizens Bank asked to replace an existing freestanding sign and sought variances for front and side setbacks; the Board of Appeals accepted the applicant's request for a continuance so the applicant can revise placement and respond to board suggestions.
Citizens Bank asked the Woburn Board of Appeals for variances to reduce the front yard setback from 25 feet to 1.2 feet and the side-yard setback from 25 feet to 10.4 feet to replace a freestanding sign at its Russell Street branch.
Heather Judko, who identified herself as a signage installer for Citizens Bank, told the board the existing sign foundation dates to about 35 years ago and the bank wants to place a rebranded sign adjacent to the current foundation. Judko said the existing sign presently sits about 3.2 feet from the front property line and about 7 feet 2 inches from the side property line; the replacement sign would be in a similar landscaped area and measures roughly 16 feet back from the street. Judko said the new sign face will be internally illuminated with an opaque background so only the graphics light.
Board members and one commenter raised safety and visibility concerns and suggested alternate placements within the front island or centering the sign on the existing post to keep it further from utility wires and the sidewalk. One member suggested the sign could be placed on an existing pathway area to meet the 25-foot setback instead of seeking relief.
The applicant asked for a continuance to incorporate the board's suggestions and return with revised plans. The board granted the continuance to its April 16 meeting and requested written follow-up; the applicant and board clerk agreed the file could be continued or, if the applicant chooses, a withdrawal without prejudice can be filed in writing.
