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Bar Harbor board approves internally illuminated emergency-department signs for Mt Desert Island Hospital
Summary
The Design Review Board unanimously approved two Type 3 internally illuminated channel-letter signs for Mt Desert Island Hospital's new Emergency Department and authorized an alternative lower-intensity option that would need Planning Board approval; the Board emphasized permit and ordinance compliance.
The Town of Bar Harbor Design Review Board unanimously approved the installation of two internally illuminated signs for Mt Desert Island Hospital's Emergency Department at its April 9 meeting.
The signs are part of Application 2025-25 for the hospital's Master Campus Expansion at 10 Wayman Lane. Chrissi Maguire, representing Mt Desert Island Hospital, and Jessica Johnson of SMRT Architects & Engineers described the need for illuminated Emergency Department identification and presented renderings. Boyd Morrison of Gamble Design displayed a sample of the proposed Type 3 channel-letter signage.
The Board noted a shared preference for lower-intensity signage but clarified that a 2025 Planning Board modification permits Type 3 internally illuminated signs on the hospital property without further review. The Design Review Board offered an additional approval of a lower-intensity alternative to speed any future Planning Board review should the applicant pursue it.
Member Andrea Lepcio moved to approve the proposed Type 3 channel-letter signs based on the Design Review standards for the hospital; Bo Jennings seconded. Planning Director Michele Gagnon reminded the Board to verify the checklist and ordinance requirements; the Board agreed the submission met the standards and the motion passed 5-0.
Lepcio also moved to approve a lower-intensity alternative (initially described as Type 5 push-through signage) with recognition that any alternative would require Planning Board approval; Jennings seconded. Chair Erin Cough asked that the motion wording be amended to remove the term "pushthrough" so as not to limit alternative designs; the Board amended the motion and approved it 5-0.
Chair Erin Cough reminded the applicant to apply for and receive a building permit for any of the approved activities. The Board's approvals do not substitute for required permits or Planning Board action if the applicant seeks signage types not covered by the 2025 modification.
The applicant may proceed with the approved Type 3 signs. If the hospital pursues the lower-intensity alternative approved by the Board, that option will require return to the Planning Board for formal review and approval.
