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Board allows Princeton Ascend pedestal sign with conditions on size, height and design
Summary
The Planning Board granted variances for a pedestal sign at Princeton Ascend (43 Princeton‑Heightstown Road) after the applicant agreed to an amended design: 80 sq ft copy area (10 ft × 8 ft), 18‑inch brick base, tenant‑panel sizing rules, and a requirement that the building address be prominently displayed.
The Planning Board approved variances for a freestanding/pedestal sign at Princeton Ascend (43 Princeton‑Heightstown Road) on June 17, after extended design discussion and agreement on size/height tradeoffs. The board and applicants negotiated a final design approach that balances tenant‑panel readability, streetside visibility and compatibility with adjacent architecture.
Key elements of the approval - Sign area and dimensions: The board limited the copy area to 80 square feet (implemented as a 10‑foot‑wide by 8‑foot‑high sign face) to meet the applicant’s need for tenant panels while controlling overall height and visual impact; an 18‑inch brick base will raise the sign modestly from grade. - Tenant panels and lettering: The applicant and board agreed that tenant names should be readable; letter sizes and panel layouts will be finalized with township staff (a seven‑inch minimum for tenant text was discussed as a guideline and the applicant accepted flexibility to combine/split slots as needed). - Address visibility: The board required the property address ("43") to be prominently displayed near the top of the sign so emergency responders and motorists can identify the building during peak or inclement weather. - Landscaping and lighting: The board agreed to a limited waiver for the landscaping requirement at the sign base given the pedestal design; final plantings, illumination level specifications (halo/backlit letters were discussed) and glare mitigation must be submitted for staff review.
Why it matters: The building has no existing monument sign on Princeton‑Heightstown Road; the freestanding sign will provide wayfinding for commercial tenants and residential visitors while the board sought to limit visual clutter and preserve sight lines and nearby building features.
Vote and conditions: The board voted to grant the variances with the agreed conditions (maximum copy area = 80 sq ft, maximum face dimensions as above, brick base, tenant‑panel standards, address placement and staff approval of final details). One board member abstained from the vote as noted in the record; otherwise the motion passed.
