HARB

Historic Architectural Review Board
Meeting Minutes
March 5, 2008

Chairman Gary Shaffer called the Historic Architectural Review Board to order at 3:10 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2008. Members in attendance were Nancie Gudmestad, Peggy Gustafson, Elwood Christ, Gary Shaffer, Bea Savage. Dick Peterson, Borough Council President, attended acting in capacity as Borough Council liaison. Rich Clark and Norm Forness were absent. There was a quorum present. The architect for the project, Mr. Peter Gluszko, was also present. The meeting was a continuation of the review of the proposed alterations to the building housing the KFC franchise at 539 Steinwehr Avenue. In accordance with the Gettysburg Historic District Ordinance, the applicant had indicated to the HARB that the design revisions specified by the HARB would be made and the modified design submitted for consideration prior to the March 10 borough council meeting. (Section 11, 112.3)

Mr. Gluszko presented a detailed summary of the design revisions, including the proposed signage and lighting.

Mr. Shaffer asked Mr. Gluszko to explain the location and intent of the sign for the "Drive Thru". Mr. Gluszko noted that they were not specifically requesting approval of the Drive Thru sign and that the drawing that presented the directional signs indicated several signs available to the owner from the franchise. Mr. Gluszko said that they intended only to install the in / out or enter / exit directional signs. He asked what would be acceptable for the "Drive Thru". Mr. Peterson indicated that signage painted on the asphalt indicating the drive thru lane seemed to work presently and for other similar businesses. Bea Savage and Gary Shaffer agreed that the pylon sign indicating a drive thru would be classified as a sign advertising the business and not a directional sign. The pylon sign would then result in the total square footage of signage exceeding the 50 square feet total allowable. The signage on the pavement would not be counted toward the total sign area. Mr. Gluszko indicated they would develop a plan using the pavement markings.

Nancie Gudmestad asked Mr. Gluszko to clarify the location of the in / out or enter / exit signs. Mr. Gluszko indicated that the southern drive would be signed with out or exit signs only. The northern drive would be signed to indicate an in / out or enter / exit combination. Mr. Gluszko confirmed that the signs would be perpendicular to the road and also indicated that the large logo signs would be externally lit with shielded tubular fluorescent lights shining up on the signs. Peg Gustafson asked for the sign wattage and Mr. Gluszko stated the fluorescent tubes were 32 watts and the compact fluorescent bulbs were 18 watts each.

The remainder of the discussion focused on clarifying the size of the signs and whether the collage artwork panels/posters on the sides of the building should be considered signs, murals, etc. Peg Gustafson asked if the stars used on those panels were a KFC logo item and it was determined that they were not. The HARB made a specific determination that the collage appliqués did not constitute signs but a building design element that enhanced the appeal of the building.

Mr. Shaffer moved that the HARB recommend that the Gettysburg Borough Council issue a certificate of appropriateness for the revised building and sign designs as detailed in the second submission. Mr. Christ seconded the motion. The motion carried 5 - 0.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m.
Submitted by Gary Shaffer