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Boxborough Design Review Board recommends approval of 25 A Stow Road sign with conditions
Summary
The Boxborough Design Review Board voted to forward an advisory recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals to approve a 3x3 ft sign at 25 A Stow Road, subject to removing the telephone number, providing lettering and flag-arm dimensions, and a preference that the sign be wood rather than plastic.
The Boxborough Design Review Board on June 11 reviewed an advisory request from the Zoning Board of Appeals for a new freestanding sign at 25 A Stow Road and voted to forward a recommendation to the ZBA with conditions. The board noted the proposed sign face measures 3 by 3 feet (9 sq ft), which is within the square-footage allowance, but stressed that "the height of the sign face shall not exceed 7 ft," while acknowledging the upright supports may extend slightly higher to accommodate finials, as staff (Alec) explained.
Board members asked the applicant to remove the telephone number from the sign, citing the town design guidelines that call for name/logo only. "It's not in compliance with the guidelines," Chair Rebecca said during discussion and the board inserted a recommendation that the phone number be removed. Members also requested documentation about the lettering (painted, carved, or applied vinyl), the scale of letter sizing, and the proposed flag-arm location and material so ZBA can evaluate the overall dimensional and visual effect.
Members debated materials and recommended a wooden sign where possible, citing guideline language disallowing certain plastic/illuminated materials: "Under the materials it says no plastic," one member noted. Staff pulled town records noting a 2003 sign special permit for the property; the board treated the current submission as a modification and emphasized reviews are case-by-case. The applicant was identified in the transcript as Barbara Shimpocus Taglier (name transcribed as spoken); the board noted earlier approvals in the property's file but concluded the ZBA will resolve any permit-history questions.
The board moved the recommendation as amended; the motion was made by Richard and seconded by Kim. Roll-call vote: Richard Yes, Kim Yes, Werner Yes. The advisory recommendation will be forwarded to the Zoning Board of Appeals, which has final authority on the sign permit.
