Townsend HDC approves storefront signs for 252 Main Street and UPS Store

The Townsend Historic District Commission on July 16 approved exterior signage for 252 Main Street and for the UPS Store, issuing certificates of appropriateness after unanimous roll-call votes.

The approvals came during a special meeting called to accommodate applicants. Commissioners discussed design details for the 252 Main Street sign presented for Maggie’s (identified in the meeting as the 252 Main Street applicant). Members agreed the proposed face would be dark green with gold lettering; one commissioner described the color choice as "ethics green." The commission voted unanimously to issue the certificate for the sign and said the signed certificate will be stamped and provided to building inspectors.

Later the panel reviewed a revised UPS storefront sign. Craig Moore, representing the applicant, said the design team "removed the shield" and "simplified the sign" to meet the commission’s guidelines, and described the face as white with dark-brown outlines (UPS standard "autumn brown"). Commissioners questioned contrast and visibility at angles; the applicant explained the dark outline will provide contrast as the face ages. The commission moved and voted to accept the UPS lettering and agreed to issue a certificate.

Both approvals were recorded by roll call. For the 252 Main Street sign the meeting recorded affirmative votes from Joan Boussick, Laura Shippen, James Droyen, Glenn Colby, Mary Ann Mallonkin, Susan Millington and Mary Jane Churchill, and the commission announced the vote was unanimous. The UPS sign likewise passed on roll-call with the board voting in favor and the chair noting a unanimous result.

The commission indicated it will finalize paperwork and place stamped certificates with building inspectors so applicants may proceed with installation. The approvals do not alter any other permitting requirements; applicants were told to coordinate final steps with town staff.