Needham Design Review Board approves four sign and facade applications, sets repaint deadline for one storefront

The Needham Design Review Board voted unanimously Monday night to approve three new or altered signs and one façade repair, and it approved minutes from its Jan. 13 meeting.

The board, chaired by Mark Glusing, approved a new storefront sign for Monsoon Indian Kitchen at 342 Chestnut St., a rebranded sign package for the former Optical Designs at 1211 Highland Ave. (to read InFocus Eye Care) with a condition that the steel frame be repainted by July 1, façade repairs using PVC (Azek) trim at Dedham Savings, 1077 Great Plain Ave., and a 5-foot-tall, non‑illuminated directional sign internal to the site at 128 First Ave. for Digital Realty.

“We will start with the first item on the agenda,” Board Chair Mark Glusing said at the meeting start, noting the session was conducted remotely under the state order allowing public bodies to meet by videoconference. After presentations from applicants and brief member questions, the board held roll-call votes on each matter.

On 342 Chestnut (Monsoon Indian Kitchen), the applicant described replacing letters in a white color, mounting them in the existing frame and keeping the existing lighting; board members asked about illumination and legibility before approving the sign as submitted. Steve (board member) asked, “Is there any lighting of any type?” The applicant confirmed the sign will be similar to adjacent lighting. The roll-call vote was unanimous (Steve: yes; Susan: yes; Millie: yes; Felix: yes; Mark Glusing: yes).

At 1211 Highland Ave., the property owner presented a panel swap for the existing internally illuminated sign and new die-cut lettering on doors and secondary panels to reflect the rebrand to InFocus Eye Care. Board discussion focused on letter weight and a small secondary panel under the main sign that several members described as appearing “tacked on.” The board approved the package with a condition that the existing steel sign frame be repainted by July 1; the motion passed unanimously (Steve: yes; Susan: yes; Millie: yes; Felix: yes; Mark Glusing: yes).

For Dedham Savings at 1077 Great Plain Ave., the applicant sought approval to remove and replace rotted exterior wood trim and moldings around windows and entrances with PVC (Azek) trim, paint the new trim “bridal white,” and omit decorative rosettes where those details trap water. The presenter said the work would address rot around multiple windows and two entrances and help prevent water intrusion. Board members discussed maintenance, painting, and mildew concerns for PVC; the board approved the façade repair as submitted (Steve: yes; Susan: yes; Millie: yes; Felix: yes; Mark Glusing: yes).

Finally, Maria (applicant) asked to formalize a non‑illuminated directional sign at 128 First Ave. that had been previously installed without a permit. The board noted the building commissioner would confirm clearance from the driveway and property line; members approved the reface and panel replacement for an internal directional sign (Steve: yes; Susan: yes; Millie: yes; Felix: yes; Mark Glusing: yes).

The board also moved to approve the minutes of its Jan. 13 meeting; only members present for the earlier meeting voted (record reflects Steve and Millie voting yes), and the minutes were recorded as approved.

Votes at a glance

- 342 Chestnut, Monsoon Indian Kitchen — Motion to approve signage as submitted. Outcome: approved. Vote: Steve yes; Susan yes; Millie yes; Felix yes; Mark Glusing yes. - 1211 Highland Ave., InFocus Eye Care (panel swap, door lettering) — Motion to approve with condition that steel frame be repainted by July 1. Outcome: approved (condition). Vote: Steve yes; Susan yes; Millie yes; Felix yes; Mark Glusing yes. - 1077 Great Plain Ave., Dedham Savings — Motion to approve façade repairs: remove rotted trim, install PVC/Azek trim around windows and entrances, paint trim bridal white; omission of rosettes noted. Outcome: approved. Vote: Steve yes; Susan yes; Millie yes; Felix yes; Mark Glusing yes. - 128 First Ave., Digital Realty — Motion to approve non‑illuminated internal directional sign (reface / new panels). Outcome: approved. Vote: Steve yes; Susan yes; Millie yes; Felix yes; Mark Glusing yes. - Minutes, Jan. 13 — Motion to approve minutes. Outcome: approved. Vote recorded: Steve yes; Millie yes; others recorded as not voting because they were absent from that prior meeting.

Why it matters: The approvals allow businesses in Needham to refresh branding and address building maintenance; the board placed a specific repaint deadline on the Highland Ave. frame to ensure the site is maintained. Several members emphasized material durability and compatibility with existing building character when discussing the façade work and sign panels.

Next steps: Applicants will obtain any required building permits from the Needham Building Department and follow the usual electronic permit-submission process. The building commissioner will confirm code- and setback-related site details where noted (for example, the Digital Realty directional sign’s clearance from driveways/property lines).