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Commission discourages neon, encourages full‑cutoff lighting for downtown businesses
Summary
During pre‑application review the commission told a business consultant that neon visible from the street is discouraged and that uplighting is not permitted by zoning; commissioners recommended gooseneck or indirect, full‑cutoff lighting and said string/festoon lighting would require review.
Representatives for a downtown restaurant sought informal feedback at the July 7 Groton Historic District Commission meeting about an interior neon sign visible from the street and about string and architectural lighting. The business consultant (Dale Rogers) said the sign is inside, can be dimmed, and that the owner sought ways to attract customers to a large, dark building.
Commissioners and zoning staff responded that while interior signage strictly inside a building often falls outside the HDC's jurisdiction, the commission discourages neon visible from the street and will not support a pattern that creates flashing beer‑sign style displays in the historic downtown. Zoning staff advised that uplighting would not be allowed because lighting must be dark‑sky compliant with full cut‑off optics. Commissioners repeatedly recommended traditional gooseneck fixtures or indirect downlighting and said any festoon or string lighting would need to be submitted and reviewed for full‑cutoff compliance.
Bill Ferguson, speaking as a commission member, said: "I don't want neon in Downtown Mystic...Las Vegas is not Downtown Mystic." Dale Rogers said the restaurant needed visibility and asked whether a non‑illuminated projecting sign or gooseneck illumination might be acceptable; commissioners responded that projecting signs and indirect gooseneck lighting are commonly permissible, subject to zoning review and HDC approval.
Staff told the applicant to consider a gooseneck sign light and to consult zoning rules on uplighting; if the restaurant files an application the commission requested full lighting specifications and photometric information. Staff also reported that a prior outreach to another downtown restaurant resulted in removal or deactivation of string lights and neon after staff contact.
