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Commission approves replacement sign at 609 Congress Ave., rejects internal backlighting
Summary
The commission approved a 51‑square‑foot sign replacement at 609 Congress Avenue in the Congress Avenue Historic District but required indirect (non‑internal) lighting; the measure passed 7‑0 with two abstentions.
The Historic Landmark Commission voted Aug. 6 to approve a 51‑square‑foot sign replacement for 609 Congress Avenue in the Congress Avenue Historic District while directing the applicant to use indirect lighting rather than internal backlighting.
Staff noted a previously approved sign permit existed for similar square footage at the same location (2010) and recommended approval of size and location but asked the commission to disallow the proposed internal lighting and to require indirect illumination consistent with the city's historic sign design guidelines.
No applicant appeared at the hearing; staff said the proposed replacement would match prior square footage but with different branding. After limited discussion about sign standards and the role of objective criteria, a motion to approve the signage per staff recommendation passed with seven commissioners voting in favor and two commissioners abstaining. Commissioner Kevin Cook noted concerns about granting variances when standards can be adjusted administratively.
Action: Motion to approve sign size and location at 609 Congress Ave. with a requirement for indirect lighting per staff recommendation; passed (7 yes, 0 no, 2 abstain).
