The Torrington architectural‑review committee on Oct. 30 approved replacement signage and a set of exterior treatments — including painted roll‑down security doors — for a storefront that an applicant has proposed to convert from a former church to retail, while keeping the site‑plan application to change the use on hold.

The applicant, Junior Toledo, told the committee she had installed metal roll‑down doors after consulting an accountant in Bridgeport and because she felt unsafe and wanted to protect a clothing inventory: "she felt uncomfortable. She wanted to be at least to be safe," the applicant said during the meeting. Planning staff confirmed there is a site‑plan application to change the use to retail but that the file is on hold pending architectural review.

Committee members said the proposed replacement sign is the same size as the previous sign, will not include new exterior lighting and therefore met the committee’s immediate concerns. "Architecture review always has the ability to review signage whether it's replacement or new," a staff member said; the committee moved to approve the replacement sign by voice vote.

But members raised concerns with the visual impact of the unreviewed roll‑down metal doors and discussed alternatives such as alarms and other security measures. One committee member stated, "metal safety doors are not typically used anywhere in town that I'm aware of," and urged consideration of less visually intrusive options. The committee also noted that some exterior work had been done before the site‑plan and architectural review steps were completed; staff said the regulations require exterior alterations to be reviewed before they are implemented.

After discussion, the committee approved a motion specifying paint and finish conditions for the installed doors: semi‑gloss black for the door panels, turquoise trim and a turquoise skirt/stripe along the bottom of the roll‑down doors and around the building, and use of rust‑resistant paint to protect the metal. Committee members emphasized matching the existing trim sheen so the doors can be cleaned and maintained; the committee also discussed that the doors are manual roll‑downs that will be down primarily at night.

The committee recorded the following formal actions during the meeting: approval of the Sept. 25 minutes, approval of the replacement signage, and approval of the paint/door treatment motion with the paint and trim specifications. The site‑plan application to change the use to retail remains on hold and will return for review in accordance with the zoning and architectural‑review checklist. The applicant reported proposed hours of operation of 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week, and that she has not yet opened the business.

The committee closed the meeting after a brief final exchange and adjourned.