ALL SIGN BYLAW ARTICLES PASSED

AT SPECIAL TOWN MEETING

Continuing the work that began in January 2012, the Sign Bylaw Committee presented six more recommendations at Special Town Meeting on November 4 for revisions to the rules that govern signs in the town of Bedford. Several sign bylaw amendments were voted on at Annual Town Meeting last March; the following six-Articles 3 through 8- were the final recommendations offered by the ad hoc Committee. Congratulations to Sign Bylaw Committee Chair Jeff Cohen, and his committee Lisa Mustapich, Karen Kenney, Mark Siegenthaler, Carol Carlson, Ralph Zazula and Kevin Latady for their work on this important issue.

Article 4-Reverse Channel Signs proposes to provide a clear definition in the Sign Bylaw for "Reverse-Channel Signs" a.k.a. halo-lit and/or backlit signs and to permit these signs in the Business, Commercial and Industrial zones. ADOPTED

Article 5 - The current Sign Bylaw does not include a definition for this type of sign. Wall signs at Stop & Shop, CVS and Cambridge Savings Bank are examples of Reverse-Channel Signs that were considered in developing the proposed definition and requirements, and for which the ZBA has granted Special Permits. ADOPTED

Article 6-Special Considerations proposes to codify the use of "Open-for-Business" flags being displayed by businesses. This may spark some discussion, but it is pretty straight-forward. Again, flags in the Historic District would require HDC review. ADOPTED

Article 7-Movable Freestanding Signs proposes to allow businesses, through ZBA-granting of a Special Permit, the ability to display a movable freestanding sign at their place of business. ADOPTED

The Selectmen granted a temporary Sign Bylaw exemption to run from July 2 until November 1, 2013, to allow businesses to test the waters and give residents a chance to look at the visual impact of these signs. The temporary exemption expired on November 1. However the Chamber's Business Development Committee has petitioned the selectman to allow the free moving signs for the next two months (holiday season), until the permitting process is complete for businesses who are going to pursue the moveable signs.

The request for an illuminated sign would still go through the Special Permit process with the ZBA, and applicants will now be required to submit more substantive calculations to demonstrate that the sign complies with the Bylaw's requirements. The permissible brightness of internally-illuminated signs would be reduced from 75 foot-lamberts (present maximum for all illuminated signs) to 50 foot-lamberts.

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         Twelve years and the Flavors of Bedford is still one of the highlights of the fall for Bedford businesses and residents. This year, the event showcased 22 local restaurants and 25 businesses.  We also entertained 25 returning deployed soldiers from Hanscom Air Foce Base. The Chamber will be making a donation to non profits, Heroes for Homecoming  and Friends of Hanscom.

Best of Flavor awards were selected by

Judges Judy Brown, Chief Bobby Bongierno and Citizen of the Year Ralph Hammond.

This year's winners are

Best Presentation - Atria Longmeadow Place
Best Appetizer- Whole Foods Market
Best Entrée - Burton's Grille

Best Dessert - L'Andana

Many thanks to our premier sponsors Brown & Brown, PC, & The Doubletree Bedford Glen Hotel, our other sponsors, the ROTC cadets, the Bucapellas, BHS string quartet, CCHS Cheerleaders, volunteers Daisy Girifalco, Sheena Santos, Bryan McKay, Barb Davis

and Dani De Paris.

It couldn't have happened without you!

    Premier Event Sponsors:
Doubletree Bedford Glen Hotel
Law Offices of Brown and Brown 

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