Whitemarsh Zoning: Mercedes-Benz, Township, Discuss Signage Issue

The following items were discussed at the Whitemarsh Township Zoning Hearing Board's April 2012 meeting, held Tuesday night.

Signage at Merdcedes-Benz Dealership on Pennsylvania Avenue

The ZHB heard testimony regarding the placing of signage at the Mercedes Benz of Fort Washington dealership at 404 Pennsylvania Avenue, Fort Washington.

The board originally considered the application in October, when representatives of the property asked the board to approve a 4x4 foot sign displaying the Mercedes Benz logo on pylons in the front yard of the property. The board granted the request, and the sign currently exists on the property.

However, the board stipulated that the dealership had to create alternative plans for a replacement "monument" style sign with a brick base within six months.

At Tuesday's meetings, representatives of the property presented those designs, which would require a variance from a township zoning ordinance requiring that all signage be placed no less than halfway up the property from the front line.

However, George Ozorowski, a representative of the Fort Washington Rescape Committee, which has been closely following the proposal, stated that his organization now prefers the currently existing pylon sign.

"We came prepared to present our case for [the setback] variance," said an attorney for Mercedes Benz ."But Mr. Ozorowski appeared and said they had concerns with the monument sign… and it appears now that the Rescape group is satisfied with the pylon sign."

Representatives of Mercedes-Benz expressed their frustrations at what they viewed as a switching of positions by the Rescape committee, and requested that Ozorowski go on the record with his viewpoint.

Ozorowski responded by stating that he recalled requests for the monument sign had come out of a township review committee, and that his organization was comfortable with the pylon sign.

"Once we saw the pylon sign, we're fine with it, it's acceptable," said Ozorowski.  "We're not going to come back and oppose [the pylon sign]… if you want I can write a letter to that effect."

The board ultimately decided that they would table the matter and vote on an ordinance to allow the pylon sign to remain in May, after it has been properly advertised.

'Academy in Manayunk' School Requests Ordinance to Keep Banners

The Zoning Hearing Board also heard from representatives of the Academy in Manayunk, a special needs school located in the River Park II complex at 1200 River Road. The school has recently relocated to the location from its prior home in Manayunk, and was granted the right to place nine temporary banner signs on the parking lot's light posts by the ZHB in January.

Representatives of AIM requested the right to keep the signs on a permanent basis, arguing that the signs provided a much needed visual cue for students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Representatives of the Academy stated that they currently occupied 50,0000 square feet of the building, with the only other occupant being a marketing firm that uses 10,000 square feet and a separate back entrance. The building, they said, is often confused with River Park I and requires signage to help direct prospective families.

One nearby resident raised concerns about what precedent the banners may set.

"If another business comes in to the area, and would like to put a banner on their business…will this be a precedent that they can use?" asked Richard Eden, of 3 Johns Lane.

However, the board said it would not, as each case is addressed individually and if approved, the banners would be for a school use only. Eden then stated that he had no problems with the school's banners and did not believe them to be a nuisance.

The board also noted that due to the topography and vegetation around River Road II, that the signs were not visible except from a nearby SEPTA train. The board then unanimously voted to allow the banners, with the stipulation that the school must come back before the board if they change the banners more than 50 percent.

David's Bridal Requests Variance for Front Yard Generators

The Zoning Board also received a variance request from representatives of David's Bridal, at 444 East North Lane, Conshohocken, to install two generators in the front setback of the property. Representatives hoped to put the units there in conjunction with a proposed data center installation at the location, and presented plans to place shrubbery around the units to screen them from public view.

The ZHB voted unanimously to approve the variance, under condition that David's Bridal consult with the Shade Tree Commission to discuss what species of tree would be best to screen the generators.