Malden board approves Stop & Shop sign variance at 99 Charles Street, 4-1

The Malden Board of Appeal approved petition 26-003 on Feb. 18, 2026, permitting Stop & Shop at 99 Charles Street to install three main logo signs and a tagline as part of a light store remodel.

Gunnar McCormick of Magnolia Sign Company, representing Stop & Shop, told the board the project will remove a number of existing signs during facade work and re-install three primary logos plus a tagline; he said other decorative signs would not be replaced. McCormick said the existing site previously had about 14 signs and the company is not putting them all back: "What we're requesting is is that the main logo sign... be a little bit larger than what was there originally."

City staff member Nelson explained the ordinance framework: tenants generally are allowed two signs facing a parking lot or street and the maximum individual sign area is 40 square feet; because Stop & Shop will reinstall new signage after removing the old signs, the new signs must comply with the current ordinance. Nelson summarized: "...there's a certain number of signs that each tenant is allowed to have...the maximum size is 40 square feet."

After discussion, a motion to approve the variance for Stop & Shop was made by Desposito and seconded; the board voted in favor, with one member voting no. Chair said staff would file the decision with the clerk and the applicant would be notified of applicable filing and appeal timelines, including a 20-day grace period after the decision is filed.