Staff issues citation for first-offense sign violations; enforcement checks and sandwich-board notices ongoing

Nantucket Historic District Commission staff reported enforcement activity Wednesday, including a first-offense citation issued for unauthorized signage and multiple notices to downtown businesses about sandwich-board and sticker signage.

Staff member Nikki Sherra told the committee she issued a citation "for them yesterday" after confirming a complaint via neighborhood reporting; she said "It's the first offense with a citation, so, unfortunately, it's $10 based on the bylaw." Sherra reported that a neon sign at one business (identified in the transcript as "the neon nail sign") was removed after staff called the manager. She said she has not yet heard back from Gaslight regarding signage and planned to inspect downtown to confirm compliance.

Sherra reported she had documentation that Aunt Lee (referred to in the transcript) holds grandfathered status for an older sign but staff needs a current photograph to determine whether a new design was installed. She also said she expected applications for temporary window/sticker signage from a clothing store (Veil) that runs short-term collaborations. Committee members raised additional enforcement questions: Paul Wolf asked about sandwich-board signage at a local gas station across from Stop & Shop (Sherra said she sent a notice on June 16), and Kevin Kuester asked whether Island Lumber’s large letters on recently added outbuildings had been reviewed; Sherra said she would check files and photograph any unpermitted signage.

Sherra said other files remain under review, including a file for the Jay McGoughlin building where a fence sign may remain after approval of other building-mounted signs. Sherra said she will photograph issues, send notices and update files for the committee and that enforcement will continue if signs are not brought into compliance.