HDC advisory panel holds Vault at 5 Chestnut Street sign for revisions; staff told to follow up on window decals and sandwich board

The HDC Sign Advisory Committee on May 6 voted to hold the application for a projecting sign at 5 Chestnut Street so staff and the applicant could resolve several related storefront elements, including a window decal and a freestanding menu/sandwich board.

Kara, representing the applicant, said the proposal was a same‑size, painted and carved projecting sign replacing an earlier black‑and‑gold sign. Commissioners focused discussion on existing storefront elements that may count as signs under the guidelines: a menu box, a window decal and a sidewalk sandwich board that has appeared at the location.

Why it matters: The committee determines what storefront elements count as signs and enforces rules limiting freestanding sidewalk signs and window signage. Commissioners noted the menu box is treated as a sign under the guidelines and that sandwich boards on the sidewalk are not permitted.

Commissioner Ben Normans asked that the word “Nantucket” be removed from the sign face; Commissioner Kevin Kuester asked the applicant to tone down a bright white background and reminded the applicant of prior violations at the location. Commissioner Paul Wolf asked the applicant to submit a consolidated application that lists the menu box and other existing elements so the committee can evaluate the total sign allowance for the building.

The motion to hold for revisions passed by roll call; Ben Normans, Paul Wolf and Kevin Kuester voted in favor. The committee asked the applicant to submit a revised application addressing the white background, remove or justify the menu box in the application, and discuss removal of the sandwich board and any window decal.

Staff member Nicky Sheriff said she will follow up with the applicant about the outstanding storefront elements and the committee's recommendations.