What's Your Take On Westford's New Proposed Sign Bylaw?
Whether you love or hate signs, one clear theme at Planning Board meetings was that the current sign bylaw needed to be updated.
If you couldn't make it to the Sign Bylaw Open House last week at the Cameron Senior Center, it's not too late to share your views with the town on the proposed sign bylaw that will be coming before voters in the Spring.
Just head to the Town website and look for the Sign Bylaw page for more information.
In the meantime, here's a few of the comments participants at the open house left on sticky notes last week.
Leave your own virtual sticky note here in the Comments section!
Dee
12:43 pm on Tuesday, December 4, 2012
I don't know if the stone signs pictured are actually made from Westford granite, but unlike "plastic" lighted signs, they have character. Under a flood light, they show up well and have a sculptural quality. A display of granite signs would give the town added (maybe unique) character by using our natural resource in a way that is both practical and artistic. Granite could be tastefully combined with other materials to allow for changes. If we're not careful, Route 110 will look more like Route 1 in Saugus. And we will regret it. The attitude of "just keep it all on 110" does not do our town justice.
Westford resident
1:19 pm on Tuesday, December 4, 2012
People in this town are getting a bit ridiculous! It's a sign, who cares!
katie
2:04 pm on Tuesday, December 4, 2012
This is insane. Why on earth does anyone care? I love Westford but really, this is what gets you people going? What is and isn't acceptable on a SIGN? There are so many other things to dispute. How about the incredibly dangerous unprotected telephone poles that are currently on 110 as a result of Cornerstone construction? Let's battle it out over a sign rather than worrying about things that are actually important.
Westford resident
2:30 pm on Tuesday, December 4, 2012
I completely agree with above. Or maybe we should concentrate on the rt 40 intersection that has accidents over and over again.
Paul F
11:24 pm on Saturday, January 19, 2013
Yes there are other issues that need attention in Westford.
However, Westford town staff and boards are spending LOTS of time handling sign applications and requests for Special Permits because our current bylaw is iadequate to meet our current needs. This is time that could be better spent dealing with some of the issues you mention.
The draft for a new bylaw will hopefully set more realistic expectations among applicants, streamline the application process and make the bylaw more enforceable.
This should result in savings not only in time but in cost.
It will also help implement the goals of the Comprehensive Master Plan and Route 110 Master Plan. This is time well spent.
Paul F
11:30 pm on Saturday, January 19, 2013
The Public Hearing on a new proposed sign bylaw opens Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 7:35 pm in the Millenium School All Purpose Room and is expected to continue for several meetings. Interested residents and Westford business owners are encouraged to participate.
See the announcement here:
http://westford.patch.com/announcements/planning-board-to-discuss-proposed-sign-bylaw-12213
JOC
7:27 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
At least these signs are in a Commercial zone. Try looking at the oversized signs in Westfords Residenital areas. Some are much larger than the ones above and an eyesore. One in particular is the illuminating Franco sign (way too large for the building) and some on Route 40 that are oversized and not as nice looking as the above ones.
Paul F
1:18 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Good point.
Now's the time to speak up. If you can't make it to the next Planning Board meeting (Feb. 4), send an email. It will be included in the public record. Comments can be sent to Chris Kluchman at the address available from the town site
http://www.westfordma.gov/pages/government/towndepartments/boardsandcommittees/WestfordMA_planning/index