Lynn set for action vs. signage scofflaws

LYNN – The city’s goal to create uniform and aesthetically pleasing downtown signage – without neon lights or blinking tubular signs – is moving forward.Although businesses that have yet to comply with the ordinance have been issued $100 fines or citations urging them to take action, Councilor at Large Paul Crowley said he would like to aggressively push the project along with other tactics.Crowley is asking the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) to identify and inventory all signage on the Zimman’s side of Market Street from City Hall Square to the railroad tracks to see who is still not in compliance.”The idea is really to identify the signs that aren’t consistent with the plans of the Central Square Business District sign ordinance, and have not obtained permits, so that we can evaluate each sign and see what kind of action we can take,” he said.Crowley said the city could either force the business owner into changing their sign because they do not have the proper permit, or the businesses could be encouraged into changing their sign with an incentive program.”I hope to get some type of program fired up through Community Development that would offer low interest loans or something to the businesses,” he said. “I think in general that is what we are trying to do.”In 2006, the City Council passed an ordinance requiring all businesses to employ signage with gold lettering on a black background to create a more aesthetically pleasing downtown area.The signage changes signify another step in the revitalization of the city, with the installation of historic streetlights, an old fashioned clock in Central Square and police officers on foot patrol in the neighborhoods.Roger Ennis, chief building inspector for ISD, said the city is currently focusing on businesses that need to renew their food licenses at the same time that they are tackling the sign ordinance.”All of the stores on Market Street don’t have a food license, but we want to at least bring those establishments in and educate them about sign compliance,” he said. “Some of the businesses are unaware of the requirements, but most are cooperative with getting this done.”However, Ennis said the goal is to reach sign compliance, not sign fees.”Not everything has to be a square equal box, but we have never deviated from the color scheme,” he said.Crowley said he would like an emphasis to be placed on Market Street signage, which he said is in dire need of improvement.”Market Street truly is a gateway to downtown, and we really need to improve the appearance of that street,” he said. “Hopefully we can find a way to make people make some changes there.”A growth spurt of more than 300 new businesses and residents in the downtown section of the city sparked the revitalization.City officials have repeatedly stressed that standardized, uniform, and perfectly aligned signage would be required for all downtown businesses for a clean and neat appearance.Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr. vetoed the option for the city to issue special permits for signs that may not fall within the original parameters of the ordinance.