by Frank Schroth

One of two hot button issues discussed at Monday’s Selectmen’s meeting was the proposed signage for a Sleepy’s store on Granite Avenue. There are two signs being proposed, neither conforms to the bylaws and neither have received the approval of the sign review committee. The second issue concerned amnesty for residents who have not been billed for their sewer service (see post here.)

The selectmen had given tentative approval to Jay Kennedy for Sleepy’s signage in December. Mr. Kennedy of Kennedy Carpets and owner of the building on Granite Ave. is in negotiation with Sleepy’s to lease the space. The signage is a key aspect of the lease according to Kennedy and Peter Lyons who handles real estate for Sleepy’s. They were both present at Monday’s meeting. Member Conlon noted that the Selectmen now had the minutes of previous Selectmen’s meetings from 2008 and 2011 and other paperwork in which the signage was discussed.

It was at a 2008 Selectmen’s meeting that the LED signage was initially approved. The zoning bylaws allow commercial businesses to request approval of signage from the Selectmen that does not conform to “applicable standards” if there is a “reasonable basis” for exemption and the exemption does not “have a detrimental effect on the community.” The selectmen granted the exemption acknowledging the location of the building was unique and qualified for an exemption in that it is a location that is not walkable and is an isolated retail business. The sign would be principally seen from the expressway and not be a detriment to the neighbors. In 2011 the selectmen approved a request from Mr. Kennedy to move the sign onto the roof. In negotiating the lease Sleepy’s wants to retain the LED display and also put another sign on the side of the building. There have been discussions between Town Hall and Mr. Kennedy that resulted in some changes from what was  discussed in December.

The LED display will now be only red letters on a black field.The display will not change but simply say Sleepy’s. It is believed that this will blend better with the black roof. All parties were in agreement on this. However, the Sign Review Committee in reviewing the signage requests asked that the LED sign be taken down. Chair Keohane said last night that “[I] am not sure that we can make you take it down.”

The second sign was more problematic. The property does not have space for a stand alone sign along the street which is why they seek a sign on the building. The Sign Review Committee has asked that the sign be reduced in size. Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Lyon do not want to do that as it will make the tagline (“The Mattress Professionals”) difficult to read. Mr. Lyon said the signage was very important and “could make the deal go one way or the other.” The selectmen requested that the sign be reduced by 10% and that, if reduced, if could be moved up the side of the building. That option will be reviewed and they will resume discussion of the issue at a meeting in January. During Citizen Speak Patti Elliott spoke in opposition to the LED display, arguing that the good work of the sign committee could be seen throughout East Milton and that the building’s signs should conform to their guidelines. The selectmen asked that the sign be reduced in size and they will take up the issue again in January.

The Selectmen met with Joe Lynch, Director of the DPW, to review a draft proposal regarding amnesty for residents who have been receiving free sewer service. Mr. Lynch this