Politics & Government

Illuminated Signs On Main Street Draw City Hall's Attention

The Melrose Planning Board subcommittee is currently examining possible regulations and restrictions for lit-up signs in store windows.

The proliferation of flashing neon or LED illuminated signs in Melrose storefront windows has caught the eye of city officials, who are looking into how illuminated signs are regulated or restricted in surrounding communities.

The subject of signs came up at Monday night's meeting of the Protection and License Committee, after Alderman at Large Don Conn filed an order asking Melrose Paul Johnson to fill the aldermen in on the city's ordinances pertaining to signs.

An ordinance on the city's books states, "A sign or any part thereof which moves or flashes, all of the traveling light or animated type and all beacons and flashing devices are prohibited. All illumination of signs must be so arranged as to prevent glare onto any portion of any public way or into any residential area."

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However, Conn said it was his understanding that signs located inside the business are not subject to that ordinance.

Johnson replied that was correct; "We address exterior signs on the outside of the building in our ordinance."

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The only exception is if a flashing sign creates confusion with a nearby traffic light, Johnson said. The ordinance states, "A sign (including temporary interior window displays or banners) or its illuminator shall not by reason of its location, shape, size or color interfere with traffic or be confused with or obstruct the view or effectiveness of any official traffic sign, traffic signal or traffic marking."

Ward 1 John Tramontozzi noted two flashing signs in the window of Melrose Laundromat that point out towards the traffic light at the nearby intersection of Main and Grove Streets.

"That might be a start," Tramontozzi said. Johnson said he would look into it.

Conn said driving down Main Street, he counted 37 illuminated signs in storefront windows. He acknowledged Johnson's "many other duties" and added that "this is not a big deal," but asked Johnson if he could look into what ordinances or regulations adjacent communities have on the books regarding flashing and/or illuminated signs.

Johnson said a ordinance subcommittee is currently looking into various ordinances and "this is definitely something we could look into or add to that agenda."

Melrose City Planner Denise Gaffey added that "this is precisely the kind of detail we're looking at (in the subcommittee), especially the flashing (signs)."


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