Commission closes hearing on 7 Water Street signage after extended discussion over wayfinding and materials

Bill Middleton, the applicant for 7 Water Street, defended a revised signage package that includes multiple wayfinding panels, poly-metal entrance signs and a disclosure board tied to parking management. Middleton said the proposal replaces existing signs and that the total sign area is significantly under the town’s allowable square footage.

Commissioners flagged the sheer number of individual signs — the applicant counted about 19 pieces of signage — and expressed concern that the layout and color choices could make it appear that multiple businesses occupy the same storefront. One commissioner suggested hanging directional cues beneath projecting signs to reduce visual clutter; another recommended grouping navigation cues adjacent to primary signs to improve legibility. Middleton said some signs are intended to be visible from the front approach and that materials were chosen to match adjacent commercial wayfinding systems used by the parking manager.

The commission repeatedly asked about materials and sightlines and whether the proposed parking-management signage and pay-by-phone notices would change how visitors locate Jeremiah’s or the tavern in the multi-use building. Commissioners and the applicant discussed exact placement, arrowing and whether the signs should be consolidated or hung differently to avoid confusion.

After discussion the public hearing for HDC26-0032 (7 Water Street) was closed. The transcript records detailed questions and applicant responses but does not include a clearly recorded motion or final vote on the signage package in the meeting record provided.