Planning board approves Concord Hospital wayfinding signs after ADR tweaks; one member opposes

The Concord Planning Board approved two replacement wayfinding signs at Concord Hospital on Aug. 20 after the applicant revised one sign’s background color to address concerns raised by the Architectural Design Review (ADR) board.

Nick Jarvis of Spectrum Signs and Tim Ferriss of Concord Hospital said the project is an in‑kind replacement of existing internally illuminated signs and that the applicant sought two approvals: an ADR determination for design in the Performance/Institutional District and a conditional use permit for a second freestanding sign on a lot with multiple buildings.

Jarvis said the design team removed the white background on the Langley Parkway panel at ADR’s request and made the emergency panel bolder so urgency wayfinding is clearer. The applicant also received a variance from the zoning board of adjustment to allow internal illumination for existing signage.

Planning staff found the conditional use permit complete and recommended approval. The board granted the conditional use permit and architectural design review approval for the two signs "as submitted," noting the applicant’s revisions satisfied ADR suggestions. The ADR/ADR‑related motion passed with one recorded no vote from a board member citing concerns about sign orientation and information hierarchy.

Tim Ferriss said the intent is clearer wayfinding for emergency access and campus navigation, and the applicant said the work comprises replacement panels and does not change poles or bases.

The approvals were subject to standard conditions for ADR and the conditional use permit being met before sign permits are issued.