Monday, December 20, 2010

Neon signs could be the norm for Middlebury businesses The Republican-American
Neon signs could be the norm for Middlebury businesses

BY MATTHEW O'ROURKE REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN
MIDDLEBURY — Sandwich boards, flags and even neon-style "Open" signs might be allowed at local businesses soon without a special exception from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Those relaxations of the town's strict sign rules are being considered by the commission as part of an overhaul of the town's zoning regulations. The review follows the approval of a backlit open sign for Bicycle Works in the Middlebury Hamlet plaza.

Matt Morris, the shop's owner, had hung the sign in his window but removed it after he received a letter in July 2008 stating that he was in violation of the town's regulations. Morris claimed that removing the sign cost him a $12,000 revenue loss.

The town's regulations prohibit business owners from using illuminated neon or neon-like signs in their windows without getting a special exception.

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