Saugus chamber conducts survey on sign bylaws

SAUGUS – In recent months, several businesses have voiced concerns over the town’s sign bylaws, saying they are “overly restrictive” and are creating a level of vexation when launching new marketing campaigns.Terri Peznola, marketing director of the Chamber of Commerce, explained that the bylaws have always been a point of friction. In response, a seven-member Sign Bylaw Subcommittee was formed earlier this summer to handle the matter.”We needed to bring one consistent voice to the issue,” Peznola said.She explained that the purpose of the subcommittee is to study the bylaws and pinpoint areas where businesses need assistance.However, Economic Development Officer Robert Luongo pointed out it will take time to identify the trouble spots. Luongo is working with the subcommittee to explain zoning laws and how they relate to commercial signage. He said the Zoning Board of Appeals could also be called upon for its expertise.”We have to understand what the issues are,” he said. “We haven’t really gotten to that point yet.”Peznola agreed, saying, “Without a detailed understanding of the real issues, we simply cannot craft a set of recommendations that will have any sort of real impact.”Once that information is ascertained, the subcommittee will formulate a series of recommendations to amend bylaws on an “as-needed” basis.Peznola said that on a broad scale, studying these points will help “develop the chamber’s position on the matter as we move forward.”The chamber posted a survey on its website on Aug. 14 to garner additional input. So far, Peznola has been pleased with the number of respondents.”We have received a great deal of input from our membership through informal channels,” she said.The survey can be accessed at www.sauguschamberofcommerce.com/signs and will be available until Sept. 5.Peznola said that the goal of survey and the recommendation process will be to “allow Saugus to aggressively compete with surrounding communities for new businesses.”