Zoning board permits 2.5‑minute message interval for new ShopRite pylon sign after applicant cites software limits

The Danbury Zoning Board of Appeals voted July 9 to permit an illuminated pylon sign at 70 Newtown Road (the renovated ShopRite) to change messages no more frequently than every 2.5 minutes.

Russ Hassman of National Sign Corporation told the board the matter was continued from May 28 after questions about message timing at a prior Sangari store. He said a prior variance called for a 2½‑minute message hold but that older sign software limited changes to whole‑minute increments; when the discrepancy was discovered, Hassman said his client changed the in‑service store to a 3‑minute hold. "The hold time is currently at 3 minutes, which it will remain unless we can upgrade the software that would allow us to change it in 2 and a half minutes," he said. Hassman added the new software for the Newtown Road sign supports a 2½‑minute interval and can be locked with administrative passwords to prevent unauthorized changes.

Board members asked that owners provide affidavits or other assurances to ensure compliance and suggested the zoning regulations be updated to address message centers; staff noted several larger stores already have transitional/message‑changing signs. Owner Joe Singari addressed the board, apologized for the earlier discrepancy, and pledged to comply with the board's conditions and staff direction.

The board voted unanimously to approve the illuminated sign at intervals of no less than 2.5 minutes, per the plan submitted.

The approval includes language in the motion referencing the permit and requires operation "as per plan submitted." No enforcement schedule was recorded in the public minutes beyond the board's request for owner affidavits.