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Commission asks for revised drawings on 272 Elm facade, nails down signage rules
Summary
Applicant Cole Harris Associates presented exterior renovations and a side‑entry for a groomer at 272 Elm St.; commissioners asked for corrected elevations, closer alignment with existing facade rhythm and a revised, code‑compliant signage plan. Application left open for revised materials and signage under the 25‑square‑foot guidance.
Paul Harris, project designer with Cole Harris Associates, presented a site plan and elevation package for 272 Elm Street on Dec. 16, proposing exterior alterations to a former bank to accommodate a national retail tenant with an accessory grooming business.
Harris described two main changes: a new primary side entrance along Grove Street with an ADA‑compliant landing and sidewalk, and aesthetic updates to the front doors and trim. He also sought flexibility on signage, asking to use three lines of type rather than the typical two to identify both the store and the grooming entrance.
Commissioners questioned inconsistencies between the submitted drawings and the color renderings, asked the applicant to align the entrance with the façade and to integrate window mullion patterns from the upper stories so the door opening reads compatibly with the building. One commissioner requested the applicant “take cues on the elevation from the existing building” and suggested testing a white palette in keeping with the village district design guidelines.
The town planner confirmed the planned sidewalk and small additional impervious area were reviewed by town engineering and would not trigger the drainage policy. Commissioners raised pedestrian and animal‑safety concerns for a grooming entrance on a busy street and suggested the applicant consider side or rear access if feasible.
On signage, staff explained that the commission has limited discretion for signs under the regulation if the combined signage area is under 25 square feet; commissioners encouraged locating identification adjacent to the door and keeping signage proportions consistent with downtown storefront norms. The applicant agreed to revise the façade drawings and to return with an adjusted sign scheme, and the commission kept the application open until the next meeting.
