Bagel Bar sign applications: committee approves smaller wall sign, holds projecting and temporary banner for revisions

The Bagel Bar submitted three sign applications: (1) a revision to a previously proposed gable/wall sign; (2) a separate wall sign on an east elevation; and (3) a temporary vinyl banner to cover the opening period. During the July 29 meeting applicants and their representatives presented photographs and prior sign history for the building.

On the revised wall sign (the item previously discussed), the committee preferred a reduced size consistent with earlier signage precedent and approved a revised 7 foot by 2 foot wall sign instead of the 9 by 2 sign on the applicant’s initial submission. The motion to approve the 7' x 2' sign passed by roll call.

For the sign proposed on the harbor‑facing elevation and for the vinyl temporary banner, commissioners raised multiple concerns: signage facing the harbor should be minimized, the proposed harbor‑side elevation is not near a primary public entrance and may be treated as a billboard, and vinyl temporary banners of the size proposed do not conform with guidelines that limit banners to event announcements. Commissioners suggested alternatives that would be compliant and quicker to deploy for the applicant’s soft opening (for example, a painted plywood temporary sign, a sandwich board, or a smaller, painted wood sign near the entrance). The committee voted to hold the harbor‑side sign application and the temporary banner for revision and encouraged the applicant to submit a compliant temporary solution ahead of the planned opening.

Staff noted that previously installed temporary signs had been taken down following staff notices; applicants agreed to pursue alternatives and return with revised materials for the held items.