Design Review Board approves sign, windows, shutters and vinyl siding exception for 178 Mountain Road

Applicant Ryan Walters described exterior alterations for 178 Mountain Road, saying he recently bought the building and wants to upgrade the façade. Walters said the proposed business sign for "The Kitchen & Floor Store" would be PVC with white letters, a black background and a copper outline, and that an existing parking-lot sign would be removed.

Bill Hawkins, director of planning and development, told the board the submitted sign size was appropriate and confirmed the removal of the existing parking-lot sign. Walters said he planned board-and-batten white vinyl siding for the second story while leaving the first floor as brick; he also proposed replacement windows and brown vinyl shutters matching the approved color palette.

Chairman George Fields asked Hawkins to read the design standard noting that vinyl siding is a prohibited material unless the board determines conditions warrant such use. After discussion the board concluded that the proposed replacement windows were compatible with the vinyl siding and that conditions warranted an exception.

Design Review Board member Frank Grillo moved to approve the PVC sign as presented with three gooseneck LED lights; member Robin Zatony seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Member Robert Borg moved to approve replacement windows on the west and south elevations with a mullion pattern and brown vinyl shutters; Zatony seconded and that motion passed unanimously. Finally, Borg moved to approve the board-and-batten white vinyl siding as presented; Grillo seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The approvals allow the applicant to proceed toward permitting with the approved sign, windows with mullions, shutters and the board-determined vinyl siding exception.