Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Commercial Signage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
ZBA conditionally approves LED freestanding sign for Family Run Foods at 1 Railroad Ave
Summary
The Peabody ZBA granted a variance to allow a freestanding, internally lit LED sign at 1 Railroad Avenue with a reduced setback and one‑foot height variance, subject to Conservation Commission approval and conditions about sidewalk clearance and non‑interference.
The Peabody Zoning Board of Appeals conditionally approved a variance request on June 10 allowing Family Run Foods LLC to install a freestanding internally lit LED sign at 1 Railroad Avenue in the BC zoning district, granting a 6‑foot setback from Central Street where 30 feet is required and a one‑foot height variance (13 feet requested vs. 12 feet allowed).
Attorney John Kelty and manager Robert Bonseigneur said the diner at the site draws business from heavy passing traffic and that wall signage had not proved sufficient. Kelty told the board the applicant had applied to the Conservation Commission because the downtown area lies in a FEMA flood plain and that a minor ConCom permit had been filed for sign footings. The applicant proposed a single monopole sign with a reader‑board LED display to advertise menu items and occasional community announcements.
Board members raised concerns about pedestrian and bicycle conflicts, exact placement relative to the sidewalk, line of sight and the lack of a complete rendering submitted in time for the meeting. One member moved to include the sign rendition submitted that evening into the record because the board relied on it. After discussion the board voted to approve the variances with the condition that the Conservation Commission approve the minor permit for work in the flood plain and subject to a condition that the sign not encroach on the public sidewalk or otherwise obstruct pedestrian circulation.
Why it matters: the new sign will change the visual character of the downtown intersection and introduce an LED reader board in a high‑traffic area; the board conditioned approval on ConCom sign‑footing approval and protection of the public walkway.
Details: the applicant said the monopole would be placed about 6 feet from the property line (approximately behind the sidewalk), would be internally lit and capable of changing messages; the board noted the packet images were late and asked that the exact sign design, colors and operating parameters be clarified with staff before installation.
