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Huntington Bank Denied Variance for Bigger Sign
(posted Jan 4 )
The Department of Metropolitan Development Board of Zoning Appeals denied
Huntington Bank's request to install a 6ft x 15ft sign with a 10 foot setback
at 6714 Rockville Road. The BZA's 4-0 vote opposed staff's favorable recommendation
at the Jan 3 hearing. The BZA disagreed with planning staff that its current
four foot monument sign was a practical hardship causing customers to drive
pass the bank.
Amanda Gates, representing Huntington Bank, said customers claim the smaller sign causes them to miss the bank's entrance. Huntington replaced the taller pole sign to be in compliance with the sign ordinance last year when it took over Sky Bank. Now customers say the sign is not working. Gates said customers driving toward the east have the most difficult time detecting the north side entrance. Gates said the bank would provide extra screening to block the lumination the sign will cast off into the surrounding homes.
Residents Ronald Doke and Karen Farmer protested the petitioner's request saying the sign would be negative influence to the residential area. Farmer disagreed that customers can't find the bank since four banks have operated at the site over the last twenty years. Farmer indicated that most customers remain with the same bank that are involved in mergers.
Doke indicated if the BZA passed the petition it would make it difficult for the neighborhood association to fight other commercial encroachment in the residential area.
In other cases, the board agreed with the petitioner's request to continue
3460 Georgetown Road to Feb 5. Owner Arthur Usmani sought a variance to be able to build single family
dwelling residential unit on the site. Staff has recommended the petitioner
make a building addition to the existing structure instead of building
a detached building.The
petitioner wanted more time to examine Staff's recommendation. The issue has
raised a concern for the Eagledale Neighorhood Association. Margaret Arthur
of ENA said the association is opposing
the variance petition.
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