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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSite Plan of Development (35) ` towM •�+ ..� �� z � •. 1540 SULLIVAN AVENUE•SOUTH WINDSOR, CT 06074-2786 ~osoR'c°� AREA CODE 860/6442511 FAX 860/644-3781 June 14, 1999 Mr. Eric Conroy Design& Construction Division N.E. Regional Headquarters U.S. Post Office 6 Griffin Rd. Windsor, CT 06095 Re: New Post Office signs Dear Mr. Conroy: The South Windsor Planning&Zoning Commission, which reviewed the original Post Office application for a new building, is very disturbed by the signs that were recently installed at this facility. These signs were not delineated on the original proposal. The Commission has received many complaints from residents, as well as having our own concerns, that these newly installed signs are out of place, unattractive and have greatly detracted from an otherwise fairly attractive building. The building itself is an attractive addition to the town, but the signage is simply out of character and, we believe, unnecessarily gaudy. We believe a much less glaring signage program would enhance the attractiveness of this building. This Commission does not believe that these signs are an appropriate enhancement to this facility and is requesting that they be removed and replaced with something fitting within the character of the Town of South Windsor, which would conform to the intent and spirit of the previous discussions with this Commission. Your prompt attention to this matter is requested. Sincerely, Walter Me y, Actin airman Planning&Zoning Commission cc: Town Council Planning &Zoning Commission members Representative Kerensky Senator LeBeau Congressman Larson JOHN B- LARSON WASHINGTON OFFICE: FIRST DISTRICT,CONNECTICUT 1419 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES WASHINGTON.D.C.20515(282)225-2265 SUBCOMMITTEE ON MILITARY RESEARCH (202)225-1031(FAX) AND DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE ON MILITARY PERSONNEL DISTRICT OFFICE. 221 MAIN STREET.SECOND FLOOR COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE HARTFORD,CONNECTICUT 06106 SUBCOMMITTEE ON BASIC RESEARCH ion^reo,� o the �nite�. t / (�)27� � 18801278-21111FAX1 888 SUBCOMMITTEE ON SPACE AND AERONAUTICS p UOUBC of` prtscotatiues ga,ohington, PIE 2O515-0701 August 5, 1999 Mr. Walter Mealy, Acting Chairman Planning&Zoning Commission 1540 Sullivan Avenue . South Windsor, CT 06074-2786 Dear Mr Mealy: I have enclosed a letter which I received from Jo Saunders, Connecticut District Manager for the Postal Service in Hartford. This letter was sent in response to my inquiry of July 12, 1999, to the United States Postal Service on your behalf. I appreciate your contacting our office with this matter. If I may be of any further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call me at 278-8888. Again, thank you for contacting our office. Sincerely, Adam Salina District Aide cc: Senator Gary LeBeau SO PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER District Manager Connecticut District UNITEDST/3TES POSTAL SERVICE August 2, 1999 � Congressman John B. Larson 221 Main St, 2"d Floor Hartford CT 06106 Dear Congressman Larson: This provides a response to your inquiry on the signage at our newly constructed South Windsor Post Office. The Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as many other South Windsor town officials, have been extremely cooperative and helpful during the entire planning and construction process for our new office.As such, I have personally visited the new location and agree that the signage is not a good"fit"with the rest of the buildings in the town's central retail area. To this end, two actions have been undertaken: -First, our Northeast area facilities group has requested review and reconsideration of the ignage through their functional chain of command. -Second, I will shortly be sending a.similar reconsideration request, including comparative pictures, to our Headquarters retail group. Q Hopefully, the above two actions will result in a positive change from the perspective of our South Windsor customers. Sincerely, 4:e�vY7�� Jo Saunders District Manager Connecticut District cc: Roger LeClair Postmaster, South Windsor Tom Russell — 1 2. Who )5 )A -�vnc+)on2, GVA-e1n e-�Caw„20 141 WESTON 3T HARTFORD CT 06101-9996 524-6137 Fnx: 524-6006 THE GROUP 54-7 MEMORANDUM TO: Stephen Richards FROM: Allan Niemeyer JOB: South Windsor MSBD DATE: 17 August 17, 1999 RE: Signage 1. After discussing their signage concerns with the Town of South Windsor, I feel that the following recommendation would manage to satisfy most of their Architects concerns. &Planners A. It is our recommendation that the signage be replaced with `toned down' signage. The monumental sign be constructed with a brick base that matches the dark red-brown brick of the post office and the USPS signature signage above the masonry base be Y-6" high by 8'-0" long. Replace the building signage with the Y-3" high by Y-3" wide USPS signature signage only, leaving the horizontal strips off. Since there is illuminated signage in the area these signs could be illuminated as well, assuming they meet the Town's desire of being `toned down'. We believe the Town of South Windsor may find this solution acceptable since the area of the signage has been reduced and would be more in keeping with local area signage. 75 Brace Road Nest Hartford, CT 06107 (860) 521-0752 > �Y (R6fll 511-59417 THE YOST +c MW S)&-o F IL 6- GROUP S R E C E I V D AUG 20 1999 INFORMATIONAL MEETING on SIGNAGE JOB: South Windsor, Connecticut Main Office JOB NO: B32300(9623) TIME: 2:00 PM DATE: 16 August 1999 PRESENT: Marcia Banach, Director of Planning,Town of South Windsor Allan Niemeyer, The Mead Group Meeting notes are as follows: Architects & Planners S.01 The Town of South Windsor finds the exterior signage presently in place objectionable. They feel it `screams' at you, and that this community is not New York City or Hartford but rural countryside that make these signs out of place or inappropriate. If the facility were located beside the Buckland Mall, along with all the other stores, the signage would probably be acceptable and appropriate. S.02 The Town of South Windsor is looking for a more traditional appearance for the signage. Ms. Banach displayed several photos of signage that the Town would find acceptable. All the signage pictured were non-illuminated from the interior. The signs were either a masonry/stone field background with raised_ metal lettering or heavy thick wood engraved lettering that was painted gold. S.03 Ms. Banach indicated that there have been many complaints about the signage and that it is the talk of the town with a negative connotation. The Town officials have been directing the calls that have been objecting to the signage to the USPS. S.04 The Town of South Windsor desires that the pylon signage, in particular, be removed and replaced with a `toned down' monumental signage with a brick base. Ms. Banach indicated that the building signage does not `scream' as much as the pylon signage but still is not desirable or appropriate for the area. The Town desires that the building signage also be `toned down'. r r 75 Brace Road West Hartford.CT 06107 (860) 521-0752 Fax (960)511-5942 THE MW GROUP INFORMATIONAL MEETING on SIGNAGE JOB: South Windsor,Connecticut Main Office JOB NO: B32300(9623) TIME: 9:30 AM DATE: 24 February 1999 PRESENT: Marcia Banach, Director of Planning,Town of South Windsor Michele Lipe, Asst. Director of Planning,Town of South Windsor Stephen Richards, USPS COR,Windsor FSO Allan Niemeyer, The Mead Group(TMG) Architects &Planners Meeting notes are as follows: S.01 Steve Richards presented to the South Windsor Planning Group the proposed USPS signage for the new post office. S.02 The Planning group has questioned the aesthetic appropriateness of the signage to the building. They were assured that every attempt has been made to so place the USPS required signage to cooperate with the design of the building. S.03 The Planning group was pleased/to see the proposed signage. The above represents our understanding of the discussions held on February 24, 1999. If our understanding is incorrect or incomplete, please notify this office immediately so that the error may be amended. Otherwise,these minutes will be considered correct. Respectfully submitted, off a44- Allan R.Niemeyer The Mead Group,PC cc: To all attendees Eric Conroy, USPS Windsor Facility Service Office 75 Brace Road West Hartford,CT 06107 (860)521-0752 Fax (860)521-5942 State of Connecticut SENATOR GARY D.LeBEAU ASSISTANT PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE CO-CHAIR THIRD DISTRICT COMMERCE COMMITTEE VICE-CHAIR STATE CAPITOL , GENERAL LAW COMMITTEE Room 110 r°'"trxr HARTFORD,CT 06106 MEMBER H:(860)528-5818 PROGRAM REVIEW COMMITTEE W:(860)240-0511 SENATE FINANCE,REVENUE,&BONDING COMMITTEE STATE CAPITOL HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106-1591 June 28, 1999 � EECEIVE Congressman John B. Larson 221 Main Street 2"d Floor -Jut, 1 I Hartford, CT 06106 Dear Congressman Larson, SOUTH E'V NOSOR PLANNING CILTY, I have received several calls and letters pertaining to the new U.S. Post Office located at the corner or Clark Street and Ellington Road in South Windsor. The calls and letters have been from constituents who are upset about the appearance of the new Post Office. The complaint has been that the signs for the new Post Office building are unnecessarily gaudy and uncharacteristic of South Windsor. The South Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission has sent a letter expressing their disapproval of the signs as well. I request your help in resolving this matter as soon as possible. Sincerely, Gary D. LeBeau State Senator, 3rd District cc: Walter Mealy, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman State Representative Nancy Kerensky U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman Ci • U -own o-P SOUL/, � 1540 SULLIVAN AVENUE•SOUTH WINDSOR,CT 06074-2786 SOR.Co AREA CODE 860/644-2511 FAX 860/644-3781 July 27, 1999 United States Postal Service 1530 Sullivan Avenue South Windsor, CT 06074 Dear Madam/Sir: There have been numerous discussions with the owners and developers of properties along Ellington Road near Town Center. These discussions centered on connecting walkways between all the facilities. The Planning & Zoning Commission would like to see this project happen and would be glad to initiate a group meeting to start the project or just receive a report stating the progress of the walkways. I am available for any questions you may have or any assistance you may need. I can be reached at 644-8859. Sincerely, Sue W. Larsen, Chairperson Planning & Zoning Commission SWL/dlw District Manager Connecticut District UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE August 2, 1999 Congressman John B. Larson 221 Main St, 2nd Floor Hartford CT 06106 Dear Congressman Larson: This provides a response to your inquiry on the signage at our newly constructed South Windsor Post Office. The Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as many other South Windsor town officials, have been extremely cooperative and helpful during the entire planning and construction process for our new office.As such, I have personally visited the new location and agree that the signage is not a good"fit"with the rest of the buildings in the town's central retail area. To this end, two actions have been undertaken: -First, our Northeast area facilities group has requested review and reconsideration of the signage through.their functional chain of command. -Second, I will shortly be sending a similar reconsideration request, including comparative pictures, to our Headquarters retail group. Hopefully, the above two actions will result in a positive change from the perspective of our South Windsor customers. Sincerely, 4uiv�t�� Jo Saunders District Manager Connecticut District cc: Roger LeClair Postmaster, South Windsor Tom Russell 141 WESTON$T HARTFORD CT 06101-9996 524-6137 FAx: 524-6006 JOHN B. LARSON WASHINGTON OFFICE: FIRST DISTRICT,CONNECTICUT 1419 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON,D.C.20515 COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES (202)225-2265 SUBCOMMITTEE ON MILITARY RESEARCH (202)225-1031(FAX) AND DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE ON MILITARY PERSONNEL DISTRICT OFFICE: 221 MAIN STREET,SECOND FLOOR COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE HARTFORD,CONNECTICUT 06106 SUBCOMMITTEE N SPA BASIC RESEARCH Congress o the united *)tatCAsj (8601278-8888 SUBCOMMITTEE ON SPACE AND AERONAUTICS � (8601 278-2111(FAX) Rouse of Repreuentatiues Washington, PO 20515-0701 August 5, 1999 Mr. Walter Mealy, g Actin Chairman Planning&Zoning Commission 1540 Sullivan Avenue South Windsor, CT 06074-2786 Dear Mr Mealy: I have enclosed a letter which I received from Jo Saunders, Connecticut District Manager for the Postal Service in Hartford. This letter was sent in response to my inquiry of July 12, 1999, to the United States Postal Service on your behalf. I appreciate your contacting our office with this matter. If I may be of any further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call me at 278-8888. Again, thank you for contacting our office. Sincerely, Adam Salina District Aide 9 1999 cc: Senator Gary LeBeau S0O �MsjR nItt%jut PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER 1 State of Connecticut RECEIVED SENATOR GARY D.LeBEAU ASSISTANT PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE THIRD DISTRICT CO-CHAIR y�Y COMMERC� �V fliil� BE"- STATE CAPITOL VICE-CHAIR Room 110 sue` GENERAL LAW COMMITTEE Ovi rq�sr�r o HARTFORD,CT 06106 H:(860)528-5818 MEMBER W:(860)240-0511 SENATE FINANCE, REVIEW COMMITTEE REVENUE,&BONDING COMMITTEE STATE CAPITOL HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106-1591 August 11, 1999 Congressman John Larson 221 Main Street 2nd Floor Hartford, CT 06106 Dear Congressman Larson, I thank you for responding so quickly concerning the matter with the South Windsor Post Office. I believe the necessary steps have been made to keep this moving in the right direction. Please let me know of any new developments from the Postmaster's office. Once again, thank you for your help. Sincerely, Gary D. LeBeau State Senator, 3rd District Cc; Walter Mealy Nancy Kerensky THE GROUP R E C E I V Lr D AUG 20 1999 INFORMATIONAL MEETING on SIGNAGE MW JOB: South Windsor, Connecticut Main Office il . JOB NO: B32300 (9623) TIME: 2:00 PM DATE: 16 August 1999 I PRESENT: Marcia Banach, Director of Planning,Town of South Windsor Allan Niemeyer, The Mead Group Meeting notes are as follows: Architects &Planners S.01 The Town of South Windsor finds the exterior signage presently in place objectionable. They feel it `screams' at you, and that this community is not New York City or Hartford but rural countryside that make these signs out of place or inappropriate. If the facility were located beside the Buckland Mall, along with all the other stores, the signage would probably be acceptable and appropriate. S.02 The Town of South Windsor is looking for a more traditional appearance for the signage. Ms. Banach displayed several photos of signage that the Town would find acceptable. All the signage pictured were non-illuminated from the interior. The signs were either a masonry/stone field background with raised metal lettering or heavy thick wood engraved lettering that was painted gold. S.03 Ms. Banach indicated that there have been many complaints about the signage and that it is the talk of the town with a negative connotation. The Town officials have been directing the calls that have been objecting to the signage to the USPS. S.04 The Town of South Windsor desires that the pylon signage, in particular, be removed and replaced with a `toned down' monumental signage with a brick base. Ms. Banach indicated that the building signage does not `scream' as much as the pylon signage but still is not desirable or appropriate for the area. The Town desires that the building signage also be `toned down'. 75 Brace Road West Hartford, CT 06107 (860)521-0752 Fax(860) 521-5942 5.05 Allan Niemeyer stated that he will review the above concerns with the LISPS. He also stated that the USPS is willing to consider these concerns and intends to have a continuing dialogue with the Town of South Windsor. The above represents our understanding of the discussions held on August 16, 1999. If our understanding is incorrect or incomplete, please notify this office immediately so that the error may be amended. Otherwise,these minutes will be considered correct. Respectfully submitted, Allan R.Niemeyer 44 The Mead Group,PC U U cc: To all attendees Steve Richards, USPS Windsor Facility Service Office ` THE GROUP MEMORANDUM TO: Stephen Richards FROM: Allan Niemeyer JOB: South Windsor MSBD DATE: 17 August 17, 1999 RE: Signage 1. After discussing their signage concerns with the Town of South Windsor, I feel that the following recommendation would manage to satisfy most of their Architects concerns. &Planners A. It is our recommendation that the signage be replaced with `toned down' signage. The monumental sign be constructed with a brick base that matches the dark red-brown brick of the post office and the USPS signature signage above the masonry base be Y-6" high by 8'-0" long. Replace the building signage with the Y-Y high by Y-Y wide USPS signature signage only, leaving the horizontal strips off. Since there is illuminated signage in the area these signs could be illuminated as well, assuming they meet the Town's desire of being `toned down'. We believe the Town of South Windsor may find this solution acceptable since the area of the signage has been reduced and would be more in keeping with local area signage. 75 Brace Road West Hartford, CT 06107 (860) 521-0752 Fax (860) 521-5942 .l'7 towN 0 Oti ~ 7-0-wn 0-Ye S-0abil ?d1;f-zd6,0t ' �i u 1540 SULLIVAN AVENUE•SOUTH WINDSOR,CT 06074-2786 ��OsoR.coN AREA CODE 860/644-2511 FAX 860/644-3781 December 13, 1999 Mr. Thomas Mazza Postal Customer Advisory Group 22 Poplar Drive South Windsor, CT 06074 Dear Mr. Mazza: I am enclosing a file the Planning 9 and Zoning Commission has built in reference to citizens'concerns over the signage at our new Post Office on Clark Street. After reading the editorial by Dexter Burnham in the latest issue of"Lifesytles". I find there are certainly more problems at our local Post Office than signage. I will keep you informed on our progress and wish you luck in trying to make our United States Postal Service more customer friendly. Cordially, Walter J. MZly%, - airman Planning and Zoning Commission cc: Dexter Burnham Chamber of Commerce Enclosures 1 � t� 4 70- 0-/c . s ; �~ 1540 SULLIVAN AVENUE•SOUTH WINDSOR,CT 06074,2786 R.c°�' AREA CODE 860/6442511 FAX 860/644.3781 December 2, 1999 The Honorable John B. Larson Congress of the United States 221 Main Street, 2"d floor Hartford, CT 06106 Dear Congressman Larson: I want to thank you and your office for your inquiry of July 12, 1999, to the United States Postal Service on behalf of the Planning and Zoning Commission of South Windsor, Connecticut. Chronology: June 14, 1999 My letter to Eric Conroy, United States Postal Service August 2, 1999 Letter from the United States Postal Service, J. Saunders to you . August S. 1999 Confirmation from your office August 16, 1999 Meeting at South Windsor Town Hall with Allan - Niemeyer of the Meed Group August 17, 1999 Memo to Stephen Richards, United States Postal Service, from Al Niemeyer August 17, 1999 to December 1, 1999 Nothing! In South Windsor we now have many names of United States Postal Service personnel but no information on exactly who at the United States Postal Service has the authority to approve our request for signage change. Could your good office determine who we should be taking our case to or further help us in this matter? Congressman Larson, we are very proud of our town as you are of yours. The new signage at the South Windsor Post Office is out of place, too large, garish in color and inappropriate in a rural countryside. We prevail upon you to help us sit down with the appropriate United States Postal Service authority to discuss this problem face to face. Thank you again for your valued assistance. Cordially, Walter J. Mealy, Chairman Planning and Zoning Commission cc: Jo Saunders, United States Postal Service Attachment 4oww aa4 y' • 1540 SULLIVAN AVENUE•SOUTH WINDSOR,CT 06074-2786 '�°SO.R•c�� AREA CODE 860/644-2 5 1 1 FAX 860/644-3781 December 23, 1999 Mr. William Quiros Acting Postmaster United States Postal Service 850 Clark Street South Windsor, Cr 06074 Dear Mr. Quiros: The Planning and Zoning Commission of South Windsor has established a committee to explore putting a "walkway"at Town Center connecting: Summerville Assisted Living, Tolland Bank, The Savings Bank of Rockville and your Post Office on Clark Street. The Tolland Bank and The Savings Bank of Rockville have graciously agreed to pay the cost of the actual site location map, including topography, for our work sessions. Since we would like to bring the "walkway"to the edge of your parking lot, we would appreciate your input and comments at our next meeting. It will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2000, at 10: 30 a.m., at South Windsor Town Hall, lower floor in the Sprenkel Room. Please make an effort to attend. Cordially, Walter J. Mealy, Chairman Planning and Zoning Commission cc: Mr. Tom Mazza, Postal Customer Advisory Group Jo Saunders, District Manager, United States Postal Service WJM/dlw T U E 8 = 2 2 NORTHEAST PRINTING PLATE P . 02 Sub ., out Windsor_ sl�nage Date: Thursday December 3 1999 :21;13 PM From: BPARMITE emaiLOsps.gov To: neppinc@aol.com Walter Mealy We spoke about 3 weeks .ago .on this issue. Since that time, a complete package of pictures of both the South Windsor post office signage and the surrounding business/retail area signage, plus an explanation of the issue, have been sent to the retail department at Postal Headquarters in Washington, DO. They have been requested to review and respond. Hopefully this will happen in the relative short term. Happy holidays Bruce Parmiter</XMP> ------------------.._ Headers � . ------- Return-Path: <BPARMITE a@email.usps.gov> Received: from rly-yh03.mx,aol.corr (rly-yh03.mail.aoi.com [172.18.147.35]) by air- yh05.mail.aol.com (v67.7) with ESMTP; Thu, 23 Dec 1999 14:21:13 -0500 Received, from gk-east.usps.gov (gk-aast,usps.gov [66.0.96.11]) by rly- yh03.mx.aol.com (v67.7) with ESMTP Thu, 23 Dec 199914:21:08 -0500 Received: from rlghnevds01.usps.gdv.,(mailgatee.usps.gov [66.80.3.173) (may be forged)) by gk-east.usps.gov (8.8.8/8.8,8) with E$MTP id OAA32192 for <neppinc a@aol.com>; Thu, 23 Dec 1999 14:21:07 -0500 (EST) X-Authenticatio n-Wa rn ing: gk-east.usps.gov: Host mailgatee.usps.gov [56.80.3.173] (may be forged) claimed to be rl9hncvds01.usps.gov Received: by rlghncvds01.us.ps.gpv; id TAA05836; Thu, 23 Dec 199919:20:33 GMT Received: from nodnsquery(56.88.9.237) by righncvds0l.usps.gov via smap (V4.0) id xma005696; Thu, 23 Dec 9919:20:.19 GMT Received: by EMAIL-,USPS.GOV(Soft-Switch LMS 3.1.1) with snapi via SSWHUB id 0033000016270137; Thu, 23 Dec 199914:16:03 -0600 From: BRUCE PARMITER <BPARMITE a@email.usps.gov> 12/2 8/9 9 America.Online : Neppi nc Page i ,iow" Be ci u0-/C Saa� ?d&U&Ot 1540 SULLIVAN AVENUE• SOUTH WINDSOR,CT 06074-2786 ��OsoR•co�' AREA CODE 860/644-2511 FAX 860/644-3781 January 3, 2000 Mr. Stephen F. Richards U.S. Post Office Project Manager Windsor Facilities Service Office 6 Griffin Rd. North Windsor, CT 06006-0600 Dear Mr. Richards: RE: SIGNAGE, SOUTH WINDSOR POST OFFICE As you are aware, the Town of South Windsor has been attemping to have the signage at the new post office replaced with less objectionable signage. We have been advised by Mr. Alan Niemeyer of the Mead Group that the U.S Post Office has approved, and is making arrangements for, the removal of the existing pylon sign. Removal of the pylon sign is an excellent good faith effort, and the Town appreciates this effort. We have no objections to the replacement of the pylon sign with a tasteful sign. A high level of illumination is one of the characteristics that is most objectionable in the existing signage; therefore, a replacement sign with a much lower illumination level is needed. We recommend one of the following: ♦ Individual letters constructed of metal and softly backlit (this could be quite tasteful and effective if the backlighting color was red or blue; Webster Bank around the corner uses red). ♦ An internally-illuminated sign ONLY IF the sign background is dark and opaque, and the sign letters/elements themselves are translucent. Avoid internal lighting that shines through a plastic or other translucent covering. ♦ A sign with direct, external lighting, in accordance with the Town's lighting regulations (the light must be top-mounted). ♦ Individually-illuminated letters comprising the signage. A similar treatment to the existing building sign is also recommended. A good-faith effort toward resolution of the building sign would be to remove the illuminated side bars. Thank you for your continued assistance in resolving this issue. Sincerely, Marcia A. Banach, AICP Director of Planning MB/sf cc: Matthew Galligan, Town Manager Walter Mealy Chairman, Planning and Zoning Commission Nancy Kerensky, State Representative Gary LeBeau, State Senator Alan Niemeyer, The Mead Group 01/03/2000 16:18 860-673-0031 ARNIEMEYER ARCHITECT PAGE 01 RECORD OF TELEPHONE CONVERSATION on SIGNAGE JOB: South Windsor,Connecticut Main Office JOB NO: B32300(9623) TME: 9:45 AM DATE: January 3,2000 PRESENT: Marcia Banach, Director of Planning,Town of South Windsor Allah Niemeyer, The Mead Croup Telephone conversation motes are as follows: TC.01 I notified Ms. Banach that the Headquarters of the LISPS has approved the removal of the pylon signage at the South Windsor, COMecticut USPS Mainz Office. She was pleased to hear this report, especially since this indicated the USPS is attempting to response to their concern about the sign W at the post once. TC.o2 we discussed the possibility of a monumental signage as a replacement at the post office. Ms. Banach stated that the Town of South Windsor is looking.for a more traditional appearance for the signage. An illuminated monumental signage with the same USPS graphics as on the pylon signage would be better than ft pylon signage itself A less illuminated area of signage would be better yet, such as,the USPS graphics cut out of a solid background and backlit, N Is_ Banach stated that the less amount of illumination from the signage the better it would be, A backlit,raised graphics from the background surface would be considered one of the better-illuminated designs. TC.03 Ms. Banach inquired about the status of the building signage, which I could not provide to her any information, TC.04 Ms_ Banach indicated flux she would write a letter concerning our conversation on the removal of the pylori signage and the ToW s concem on the signage. The above represents our understanding of the discussions bald on January 3, 2000. If our undenmding is incorrect or incomplete,please notify this office immxiatcly$0 tW the error may be amended Otherwise,these minutes will be considered correct. THE `� �° R � LlvL MWJAN t a 2000 GROUP SOUTH WINIBSOR P" NNIN3 03T, RECORD OF TELEPHONE CONVERSATION on SIGNAGE JOB: South Windsor, Connecticut Main Office JOB NO: B32300(9623) TIME: 9:45 AM DATE: January 3, 2000 PRESENT: Marcia Banach, Director of Planning,Town of South Windsor Allan Niemeyer, The Mead Group Telephone conversation notes are as follows: Architects &Planners T n 1 notified Banach that the. Headnlla_Yters of t C. l of ed Ms. B_n_�_ -1 he USPS has approved the removal of the pylon signage at the South Windsor, Connecticut USPS Main Office. She was pleased to hear this report, especially since this indicated the USPS is attempting to response to their concern about the signage at the post office. TC.02 We discussed the possibility of a monumental signage as a replacement at the post office. Ms. Banach stated that the Town of South Windsor is looking for a more traditional appearance for the signage. An illuminated monumental signage with the same USPS graphics as on the pylon signage would be better than the pylon signage itself. A less illuminated area of signage would be better yet, such as, the USPS graphics cut out of a solid background and backlit. Ms. Banach stated that the less amount of illumination from the signage the better it would be. A backlit, raised graphics from the background surface would be considered one of the better-illuminated designs. TC.03 Ms. Banach inquired about the status of the building signage, which I could not provide to her any information. TC.04 Ms. Banach indicated that she would write a letter concerning our conversation on the removal of the pylon signage and the Town's concern on the signage. The above represents our understanding of the discussions held on January 3, 2000. If our understanding is incorrect or incomplete, please notify this office immediately so that the error may be amended. Otherwise, these minutes will be considered correct. 75 Brace Road West Hartford,CT 06107 (860)521-0752 Fax(860) 521-5942 Respectfully submitted, LA�) :12 TUI�4 0'�&4 2 Allan R. Niemeyer The Mead Group,PC cc: To all attendees Steve Richards, USPS Windsor Facility Service Office avvinusor reaw waITS Tor new post oTTice signs By Amy Johannes. ` , O Journal Inquirer SOUTH WINDSOR — More than five .,. months have passed since the Planning and ! ` Zoning Commission and various town of- ficials requested new signs for. the Clark Street post office. And residents who say the current signs are too big and gaudy are still waiting for some action. PiOSt '�C PZC chairman Walter Mealy said .town officials- have received many. complaints from residents that the signs are unattractive ' and don't fit in well with the town's rural _ ' character. He said the two signs — one attached to the front of the post office building, the other on a pole near the street are too large. #.•- Tnwn officials and residents are seeking more traditional, "toned down" signs, he said. "We never expected signs like that," Mealy said. "They're garish.The post office is saying very loudly, `We don't have to listen to your rules. We can do what we want.' It's a slap in the face to the town." Wma X' y s But because the postal service is a federal } agency, it -is exempt from meeting town zoning regulations, Town Planner Marcia Banach said. She also said, however, that all �� =•::. - local businesses must conform to. a town _ _ 2111111111111111111 regulation setting the maximum size fora sign in a commercial zone at 24 square feet. - - .. Journal loquinr fib She was uncertain today about the size of the, South Windsor officials have requested that the signs at the new Clark Street post office be changed. post office sign. Before the post office was built, postal "I would just like to see something with a recognizable" by customers, she said. an inquiry about the signs in July and officials presented building plans to the PZC, little more taste in keeping with the area," Officials,however,want to ease residents' received Saunder's response a month later. but those didn't show the signs they intended Mealy said. concerns and are considering options to solve Rep. Nancy & Kaensky, D-South Wind- to erect there, Banach said. The PZC most Jo Saunders, the Postal Service's district the problem, Dugas said. Postal officials are sor, who has been working on ways to help likely wouldn't have been approved the signs manager for the state, acknowledged in a sensitive to the needs of the town, and are town officials with the problem,said it hasn't if officials had presented plans for them, she reply .letter that the signs are "not a good looking at ways to comply with the town's added fit" with the rest of the area. She also wrote wishes," she added. been solved because of a lack of communica- "rhe signs certainly don't come close to that the matter would be reviewed and new "We are lboking for an exception to be don from postal officials. fitting the character of the area," Banach signs would be considered for the post office. made so the signs will still be recognizable to "You just have to keep trying," Kerensky said,adding that the signs are illuminated at The letter was written in August. , customers, and. will still meet national ap- said may. "We just need to be able to night. "They're really bright at night. We Saunders could not be reached for com- proval," Dugas said today. communicate." want something tasteful." ment today. Local legislators have been actively pursu- Town officials are still awaiting word In response to residents' complaints, Postal Service regional spokeswoman ing the matter. Town officials didn't receive from postal officials on their decision to Mealy sent a letter in June to a regional Christine Dugas said the service tries to keep a response from postal officials until they replace the signs. Mealy said he intends to office of the U.S. Postal Service in Windsor, .post office signs nationwide a standard size. notified U.S. Rep. John B. Larson, D-1st send another letter to Larson this week to requesting new signs. They are designed to be visible and "easily District, Banach said. Larson's office made verify its status.