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Board approves second wall sign for Princeton Orthopedics after agreement on timers and environmental review
Summary
The board allowed a second wall-mounted sign for Princeton Orthopedics (total under 50 sq ft) after the applicant agreed to timers, dimmers and to consult the Environmental Commission about light impacts on bats and insects.
The Montgomery Township Planning Board on March 23 approved an amended minor site plan that allows Princeton Orthopedics to install a second wall‑mounted sign for a new surgical center at 862 Route 518.
David J. Schmidt, the applicant’s engineer, said the previously approved sign measured about 17.5 square feet and the applicant is now seeking a second wall sign for the surgical center (21.3 square feet) so both signs together measure roughly 46.4 square feet, which is within the township’s 50‑square‑foot allowance but requires relief because the ordinance permits only one wall sign.
Schmidt acknowledged the omission was an oversight in the original submission and said the second sign was always intended to be part of the project. “It was my mistake and that’s why we’re here back today,” he said.
Steven Cuney Rongione of Effective Sign Works testified that the signs will be internally illuminated LED units and described standard mitigation options — darker sign faces, automatic dimmers and time clocks — that allow on‑site adjustment after installation. “We can use the dimmers, to adjust the levels of brilliance of those LEDs, to an acceptable level,” Rongione said.
Environmental‑commission memos raised concerns about illumination and potential impacts on bats and insects; the applicant agreed to set time clocks to turn signs off at 10:00 p.m. and to work with the Environmental Commission on a post‑installation calibration or site visit before activating the lighting. The board made that consultation a condition of approval.
The board voted to approve the amendment, citing that combined sign area remains under the township threshold, the setback and existing landscaping reduce potential off‑site glare, and the applicant committed to mitigation measures and to involving the Environmental Commission prior to lighting activation.
What happens next: the applicant will install signs with timers/dimmers, coordinate any required inspections and comply with the condition to consult the Environmental Commission before lighting activation.
