Home > Government > Boards and Commissions > Sign Review Board > 2009 > June 3, 2009

Sign Review Board

Black Eyed Susan Conference Room
June 3, 2009
2:00 PM

Re:  Public Hearings  

SRB2009-00501-401 N. Washington Street, M&T Bank

The applicant is requesting a modification to erect signs that do not conform to the property’s sign concept plan.

Kari Lowery with Gable Signs presented the applicant’s request.  Ms. Lowery stated that the applicant is proposing to change their signs for the new bank logo, which is M&T and it does not conform to the property’s sign concept plan. 

Eric Raines with Gable Signs, stated that M&T is proposing to replace the prior bank’s signage with two building signs, two directory signs and one freestanding sign on the property.  The new bank signs are green and white and do not meet the current sign concept for the property, which is red channel letters.

After further discussion, Mr. Turner moved, seconded by Ms. Goehrung to approve SRB2009-00501-401 N. Washington Street, M&T Bank as submitted.  The motion passed on a vote of 2-0.

SRB2009-00502 – 1075 Seven Locks Road, Walgreens

The applicant is requesting a modification to erect signs that do not conform to the property’s sign concept plan. 

Bryan Hart with East Coast Signs presented that applicant’s request.  Mr. Hart stated that the applicant proposes to replace the previous store’s signage in the Potomac Woods Shopping Center with red channel letters, with a red logo with a white “W”.  The previous signage had green and red letters, but the Shopping Center’s sign concept plan permits white channel letter signs.  Mr. Hart noted that the property manager for the Shopping Center has approved the red channel letter signs.  One sign insert is proposed for the monument sign, which is located at the entrance to the Shopping Center.    

Mr. Turner stated that the other stores in the Shopping Center all have very consistent conformance with the sign concept plan.  That is the only concern he has because Walgreens would be the only store that would be different.  Mr. Turner stated that the Board has some precedent of allowing an anchor store, especially located at the end of a shopping center, a variance, but there is one business already located on the corner to the right of the proposed Walgreens store. 

The Board discussed its concerns regarding the colors and the style of the proposed signage.  It was noted that the monument sign located at the entrance.  Ms. Goehrung said that she has no problem with the sign insert because it blends in with the existing sign. 

After further discussion, Mr. Turner moved, seconded by Ms. Goehrung to approve SRB2009-00502 – 1075 Seven Locks Road, Walgreens as submitted.  The motion passed on a vote of 2-0. 

SRB2009-00503 – 1101 Nelson Street, Essex Bank

The applicant is requesting a modification to erect signs that do not conform to the Shopping Center’s sign concept plan.

Tricia Rust with Kerley Signs presented the applicant’s request.  Ms. Kerley stated that the applicant is asking to replace the existing signs with new Essex Bank signs on the front of the bank and over the drive-thru banking lane.  The Shopping Center’s sign concept plan calls for box signs with a green background and white lettering.  The proposed signs would be box signs with a white background, black letters and a red logo.

The Board discussed one other business in the Shopping Center with an approved sign modification, Hard Times Café; their sign is a box sign with white letters and a brownish red background color.  The proposed signs would be replacing the sign faces in the original sign boxes on the bank front and would also meet the size requirement for the bank’s frontage.    

Dick Oppitz with Essex Bank stated that Essex is a community bank, with its headquarters in Georgia.  They came to Maryland to take over Suburban Bank, which was closed by the FDIC.  Essex kept the seven locations as well as the previous bank’s employees.  The proposed sign is the brand name for the bank.  He noted that Essex Bank is trying to establish its identity.   There are thirteen locations in Virginia with the same signage.

After further discussion, Mr. Turner moved, seconded by Ms. Goehrung to approve SRB2009-00503 – 1101 Nelson Street, Essex Bank as submitted.  The motion passed on a vote of 2-0. 

Re:  Minutes

The March 11, 2009 minutes were unanimously approved as written. 

Re:  Adjournment   

The meeting adjourned at 2:15 pm.

The next meeting of the Sign Review Board is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 2:00 PM in the Black Eyed Susan Conference Room, located on the 3rd floor of City Hall.