The Stoneham Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that A-Frame signs will be permitted for approved sign applications in Stoneham’s Central Business District (downtown area), beginning January 1, 2018.
Approval was given last week with the third and final step in the approval process - clearance from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office, which is required when amending town by-laws. Stoneham voters first gave their approval to modify the existing sign bylaws in a 2/3 vote at the May 1, 2017 Town Meeting. Subsequently, the Planning Board approved necessary A-Frame design standards in their meetings this July.
Planning Board Chairman Gus Niewenhous commented “It was a great experience working on behalf of the Planning Board with the Chamber of Commerce, the Town Planner, The Building Inspector and the Stoneham Square Merchants Group in facilitating this by-law amendment. The A-frames now permissible are appropriate to the Central Business District and will encourage pedestrian traffic to shops and restaurants.”
A-Frame signs in the Central Business District will be restricted in their size, appearance and use, as they are designed for pedestrian, rather than vehicular traffic. Signs will require an annual fee and an annual sign permit issued by the Building Department. The Chamber of Commerce will provide an initial source list of acceptable A-frame signs.
“This is a fantastic benefit for our downtown businesses”, notes Chris Senna of C&S Capital Properties and President of the Stoneham Chamber of Commerce. “Stoneham’s downtown is becoming more of a destination with more businesses, restaurants and activities that encourage residents and visitors to explore the center. I give much credit to our chamber’s Stoneham Square Merchants Group in working side-by-side with the Town to make this happen.”