Historic commission backs limits on LED speed/message signs proposed for town bylaw

The Nantucket Historic District Commission on April 29 voted to support a proposed Article 71 amendment that would allow LED traffic-control devices and portable changeable message signs on town-owned ways, while asking Town officials to add limits on size, quantity and placement procedures.

Commissioners said the amendment as written would create a broad exception to the town’s current bylaw protecting the historic character of roads, and that voters approving the article at Town Meeting should expect guardrails to reduce visual clutter. Sign Advisory Committee chair Chris Young, who presented the amendment to the commission, said the proposal would allow speed feedback signs and portable message signs but currently “has no limitation. In other words, they’re basically saying that LED signage ... are now going to be allowed. There’s no limit to the quantity,…