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Compliance hearing for Georgios restaurant sign draws safety review from DOT and DPW
Summary
Owners of Georgios restaurant proposed a new corner sign with an electronic message center at 270 Granite Street. The applicant said the sign would be static-image only; New Hampshire DOT and Manchester DPW raised visibility and driver-distraction concerns given the sign’s proximity to the Exit 5 off-ramp and traffic signals.
The Manchester Planning Board heard a compliance hearing Tuesday for a proposed replacement sign at Georgios restaurant, 270 Granite Street, that would add a channel-letter sign with an electronic message center (EMC) at the building’s corner.
Sign contractor Jeff Tuttle of The Sign Gallery and restaurant manager Diana Byam told the board the proposed sign replaces two existing wall signs and would include individually lit channel letters above a high-resolution EMC. The applicants said the EMC will be limited to static images only — no scrolling, video, flashing or rapid changes — and that their company normally disables video capability at installation. They also noted EMCs used by the company participate in state Amber Alert distribution.
Staff reported that the New Hampshire Department of Transportation reviewed the submission and raised safety concerns about the proposed location as viewed from the Route 101 (Exit 5) off-ramp. Manchester Department of Public Works reviewed DOT’s comments and mirrored the concerns, noting that sightlines from the off-ramp and proximity to traffic signals could increase visual competition for drivers. Staff said DOT’s feedback has been forwarded to the applicant and remains unresolved.
Board members questioned whether the sign would distract drivers at the nearby intersection. Applicant Tuttle said the EMC would primarily display photo-based slides and limited copy intended for on-premise message and specials, not video; he said the company often disables video capabilities in software. Tuttle added that many existing message centers in Manchester and nearby locations were reviewed in prior DOT approvals and that the applicant expects DOT review before a permit would be issued.
Public comment: No speakers appeared in favor or against the proposal at Tuesday’s meeting and no written public comments were filed with the planning office before the hearing.
What happens next: The applicant will work with Manchester staff and NHDOT to resolve DOT/DPW concerns about placement and visibility; the board closed public comment and indicated the matter will be scheduled for decision in a subsequent meeting once outstanding technical issues are resolved.
Sources: Presentation by Jeff Tuttle and Diana Byam, sign contractor and restaurant manager; Manchester Planning Board meeting transcript, Feb. 20, 2025.
