Design panel recommends WBCR window and door signage, advises Historic District Commission review

The Great Barrington Design Advisory Committee on March 18 recommended approval of window and door signage proposed by WBCR‑LP 97.7FM at 320 Main Street, while directing the station to pursue formal review by the town’s Historic District Commission.

Yussef Cole, a member of the Berkshire Community Radio Alliance board who spoke for WBCR, presented the design as “white type on clear glass,” told the committee the station has occupied the storefront since at least 2020, and said WBCR recently returned to its storefront studio after temporary relocation during building work.

The committee’s Don Howe said WBCR appears not to have obtained prior sign‑off from the Historic District Commission for earlier signage and told the applicant the station must apply to the HDC. Howe told the applicant to file paperwork roughly two weeks before the HDC’s late‑April meeting so the commission can publicize a hearing; he also said there is a $40 fee to cover publicity for the meeting. Howe suggested, as a personal preference, that the lettering be black because it would display better, but he emphasized that was his individual view and not a formal committee position.

Committee members Jackie Kain and JB Brodeur said they liked the type style and placement as presented and noted that white might work well given the dark interior and studio equipment. The committee voted to recommend the signage as presented; the motion was moved by JB Brodeur and seconded by Jackie Kain. Don Howe abstained. The vote tally was 2 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstention.

The recommendation from the Design Advisory Committee does not substitute for Historic District Commission approval. The next procedural step recorded in the meeting is for WBCR to file for HDC review in time for the commission’s late‑April meeting, with required paperwork due approximately two weeks before that meeting and a $40 publicity fee.