Planning Commission finds proposed electronic message-sign amendment inconsistent with POCD

The Westbrook Planning Commission voted to recommend that a proposed zoning regulation change allowing electronic message display signs be found not consistent with the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD).

John Palermo, the Town’s Director of Emergency Services and the applicant for ZC-2026-007, said the sign at the Riggio Building “is very difficult to change” and that he frequently uses it to share town information. He described a proposed electronic sign with a solid background, light or dark letters, minimal lighting and the ability to be programmed by computer; he said the proposed sign would be the same size as the existing sign.

Commission members pressed that the application seeks a regulatory change for all electronic message signs rather than approval of a single sign. Secretary Marilyn Ozols warned the change could allow “five large electronic signs in the Town Center” and urged the applicant to work with staff on detailed design standards and limits on where electronic signs would be permitted. There was also a suggestion to limit electronic signs to properties that house town departments.

Commissioner Bill Neale moved that the Planning Commission find ZC-2026-007 not consistent with the Westbrook POCD and recommend the Zoning Commission adopt a more stringent regulation for the Town Center Commercial District; the motion was seconded by Sheryl Becker and approved unanimously. The motion did not specify exact replacement language; commissioners recommended staff and the applicant coordinate on a revised submission that includes explicit design standards and geographic limits.