Cherry Hill planning board approves multi-tenant monument sign for Saw Mill Village

The Cherry Hill Planning Board on June 15 approved a site-plan waiver and a bulk (C) sign variance permitting a 10-foot, four-panel monument sign for the Sawmill shopping center, concluding the application was not barred by a 2003 denial. The board voted 5-2 to grant the variance and attached conditions including uniform text, relocation of the shopping-center identification panel, removal of a commercial logo, screening for electrical equipment, and consultation with the Cherry Hill Historic Commission.

The board first considered whether the doctrine of res judicata — which can prevent re-litigation of a previously denied application — applied to the case. Luke Grabiak, the applicant’s attorney, told the board the new proposal differs from the 2003 filing because it reduces tenant panels (six to four), switches from a twin-pole pylon to a monument sign, lowers the height to 10 feet, and slightly reduces gross sign area (from about 103 sq. ft. to roughly 95 sq. ft.). Grabiak said those differences “met the threshold for ‘sufficient change’ and therefore the board should determine that Res Judicata does not apply.”

Several board members debated that question. Marlyn Kalitan said the sign remained multi-tenant and expressed skepticism that the design changes were substantial. Alise Panitch cited the passage of time, community evolution and the visual differences between proposals and urged the board to let the application proceed. After public comment from resident Martha Wright urging dismissal on res judicata grounds, the board voted that res judicata did not apply and allowed the application to be heard on its merits.

Property manager Richard Heeb testified the monument sign is intended to be “more attractive, provide better visibility for shopping center tenants and complement the new façade improvements.” Heeb said the center currently has ten tenants but the proposed sign will include four tenant panels; tenants would apply separately for panel permits. Sign designer Steve Kueny-Rongione testified the sign “will be internally illuminated via LED lighting and connected to a timer,” will meet required setbacks and will not create a sight-triangle issue, and said the utility connections adjacent to the sign can be screened.

Planning staff noted that the property is set back about 135 feet from Route 70 and that nearby buildings and a wooded lot limit visibility from the roadway; staff recommended plantings at the base of the sign to meet ordinance requirements but also suggested the applicant maintain landscaping so it not obstruct signage. Resident Martha Wright said the existing Saw Mill Village sign is historic and urged preservation; staff advised the applicant to consult with the Cherry Hill Historic Commission and suggested donation of the existing sign if appropriate.

Solicitor James W. Burns summarized conditions imposed by the board and staff: uniform letter style, a single line of text per tenant panel, moving the “Saw Mill Village” identification panel to the top and the street address to the bottom, removal of the Gator Sawmill logo from the sign, and reasonable screening for electrical equipment. The applicant agreed to contact the Historic Commission and not to demolish the existing sign until the commission’s determination is resolved.

The final vote to approve the site-plan waiver and bulk (C) sign variance was 5 in favor (Ed Rentezelas, Earle Seneres, Jill Hulnick, Sam Kates and Christopher Callan) and 2 opposed (Marlyn Kalitan and Alise Panitch). The applicant may now pursue the required sign permits from the township and must comply with the board’s conditions.

The board completed other business and adjourned at 9:54 p.m.