Signs of ordinance flexibility apparent

LYNN – Several modifications to the Central Business District Sign Ordinance were discussed by the Sign Advisory Committee Tuesday.The changes were reflected in a working draft that outlines adjustments aimed at enticing business owners to comply with the ordinance and revise their signage to provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.Peter Capano, Ward 6 City Councilor and chair of the advisory committee, said the purpose of the get together was to address the nuts and bolts of the ordinance and eradicate any problems.On the books for more than a year, the ordinance has become a bone of contention among some business owners who have all but refused to switch to a blander version of signage.In an effort to curb the revolt, Capano said there are a few easy things the committee can do to lessen the blow on business owners.”We can modify the projecting sign guidelines, and we can identify the main and side streets for different sign sizes,” he said. “Market, Washington, and Union streets should get different treatment because they are larger streets, so we can set different scenarios with 12 square feet for smaller side streets and 16 to 24 square feet for larger streets.”Leslie Gould, executive director of the Lynn Chamber of Commerce, gave her input and said she would like a pamphlet outlining the rules and guidelines to inform business owners with pressing questions.”Taste is something that is very important to the business owners,” she said. “One owner told me that he wants the freedom to reflect what they do in their sign, but within the boundaries of course. So it would be great to get a sort of 12 step process to tell owners to do x, y, and z.”City Councilor at Large Paul Crowley agreed that the needs of business owners have to be met in order to make the ordinance a success.”Neon lights are effective, but not attractive, so we need to find a balance,” he said. “Some of the business owners are caught in the loop, so we need to take a look at the past years worth of history to make it less cumbersome and more business friendly.”For businesses that have yet to comply or refuse to comply, Chief Building Inspector Roger Ennis said the introduction of a decal to affix to the signage would be a reasonable way for the Inspectional Services Department to track who does and does not have a permit for enforcement purposes.”We’re looking at a $1,000 or $2,000 investment for the decals, but it would be put in the cost of the fees,” he said. “The current ordinance has a requirement for the permit number to be placed on the sign, but it’s not a very attractive method.”The next meeting is scheduled for July 22.