Committee approves new 9.5‑ft light bar over Dunkin' sign; gray finish preferred

The Montpelier Design Review Committee on Sept. 2 approved an amendment to the sign lighting at 51 Berlin Street that replaces several gooseneck fixtures with a single downcast bar fixture over the main Dunkin' storefront sign. The applicant said earlier goosenecks were shifted and removed and that the new linear fixture will be roughly 9'/2 feet long and specified as a 3,000K light. The committee voted to approve the amendment and expressed a preference for the matte gray finish over a shinier silver option to avoid glare and keep visual focus on the sign.

DeMartin (applicant representative) explained the changes and noted the building's tower section has been painted white while the rest of the building is a darker gray; the fixture is available only in silver or gray, the applicant said. Committee members discussed lumens and fixture placement and confirmed that the Montpelier‑facing Duncan sign had existing soffit lighting and did not need additional goosenecks.

A committee member noted the action is an administrative amendment and can be appealed; staff said they will email the updated approval and the applicant may pick up the updated blue card. The committee asked the applicant to add the committee's notes to the record and sign the updated document. The approval was recorded with a unanimous vote.

Less-critical details: the applicant said moving to the single bar reduces overall lighting on the building and centralizes illumination on the principal sign. The committee asked the applicant to confirm with the electrician which of the two finishes (silver or gray) will be least reflective.