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Planning Board approves second 32-square-foot wall sign for Aviva Trattoria at Grove Shopping Center
Summary
The Bedford Planning Board granted a performance-zone sign waiver allowing a second 32-square-foot illuminated wall sign for Aviva Trattoria at 5 Colby Court, with a condition barring a monument panel.
The Bedford Planning Board on Jan. 27 approved a sign waiver allowing Aviva Trattoria to install a second 32-square-foot illuminated wall sign on the facade that faces South River Road at the Grove Shopping Center, 5 Colby Court. The board attached a condition that the restaurant not receive a panel on the plaza monument sign.
The board’s action came after Jason Ferdette of Point Signs, representing Aviva Trattoria, told the board the proposed sign would provide street visibility the restaurant currently lacks. “It’s a white aluminum background with face lit lettering that reads Aviva Trattoria,” Ferdette said. “At night, the Aviva and the Trattoria would light up… It’s proposed to be installed on the facade that faces South River Road above the main entrance.”
Board members debated whether the request met the performance-zone waiver criteria. Councilor Phil Grizzo warned that exceptions can become routine, saying, “In this age of GPS, devices everywhere, signage on a road is less important,” and cautioned against letting “the exception swallow the rule.” Other members noted the unit’s corner location and that adjacent tenants, such as Boston Interiors, have wall signs facing both the parking lot and South River Road; supporters said a second sign would help drivers identify the entrance from the roadway.
After discussion the board approved a motion by Steve Clough, seconded by Priscilla Malcolm, to grant the waiver in accordance with the submitted materials and incorporated meeting facts. The board added the specific condition that Aviva Trattoria not be given a panel on the plaza monument sign. The motion passed and the waiver was granted.
The applicant said the second sign would be installed above the entrance used during warmer months (the patio/host entrance) and that Aviva is not currently listed on the plaza monument sign. The board’s decision accepts the applicant materials as complete and incorporates the meeting minutes for the record.
The applicant and the planning staff will proceed with any required permitting or building-permit steps following the waiver approval.
