Mausert Block Signage Application on Hold Pending Revisions
ADAMS, Mass. — The Mausert Block signage permit application is on hold while it is revised to comply with the town’s current sign bylaw.
During the Zoning Board meeting last month, architect Stephen Stenson requested a special permit for signage at 19A and 19B Park St., which he aims to design in a way that aligns with the historical architecture of the building and improves visibility.
Stenson has been working to renovate the historic Mausert Block, already opening 10 two-bedroom apartments at 21 Park Street.
However, during the meeting, board members were hesitant to blanketly approve the overall sign bar rather than individual business signs.
The hearing was continued, with Stenson planning on returning with a more detailed proposal showing exactly how the signage would look.
Stenson told iBerkshires that the planned Sept. 8 hearing had been put on hold while he prepared more information, and "hopefully" plans to represent next month. The Tuesday meeting was also canceled because there wasn’t a quorum.
In 1925, F.W. Woolworth opened a five-and-dime store in the building, becoming the longest-running and most notable business to occupy the space. The store remained there for about 60 years.
During that time, the sign bar displayed the lettering "F.W. Woolworth Co." Today, the large red sign bar spans across 19A and 19B Park St. and now has lights illuminating it, but doesn’t have lettering.
The current bylaws allow signage by right that is 16 square feet per unit along Park Street, which equates to a sign height between 6 inches and 12 inches across each storefront, Stenson said in his initial variance application.
The town’s current sign regulations make it difficult to create balanced, proportional signage across the two restaurant storefronts, Stenson told the board last month.
The proposed signs would vary significantly in size and placement, leaving awkward blank spaces and making it harder for customers to clearly distinguish the burrito and pizza restaurants, he said.
The board is in the process of updating its "restrictive" zoning regulations for signs.
During a previous meeting, it was said that the proposed amendment would make the bylaw less constraining for businesses while preserving the town’s character and protecting neighboring properties.
A change of this sort will require a public hearing through the Planning Board and a town meeting vote.
To remain on schedule, Stenson told iBerkshires he will have to obtain a variance through the town under the current bylaws.
He hopes to complete the remaining work on the restaurants at 19A and 19B Park St. by the fall, which will bring two new businesses to downtown: Zep's Pizzeria, owned by Seth Martin, and The Burrito Bowl, owned by Timothy Samson.
Board members told iBerkshires the day of the intended hearing, Sept. 9, that obtaining a variance is very challenging because of state requirements and because there isn’t a provision in the bylaw to do signs outside the basic requirements.
He will still be able to operate the businesses, they said, also adding that he has several options to get signage approved for the new restaurants, including installing two signs that are 16 square feet, which is by-right in the town bylaws.
He can also put signs up through a special permit, which has been done for other businesses in the area, including Window World, the Adams Theater marquee, and Adams Bank.
Tags: Mausert Block,
