As a way to thank donors, the Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity is designing a large-scale sign for display in front of 185 Wareham Road throughout the duration of construction of the Habitat house. The 6-foot by 6-foot sign is a little bit bigger than the Town’s bylaw allows, so the president of the organization, Robin Ragle-Davis, went before the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals on July 9 for a Special Permit.
“[The sign] is not only to display the fact that the build is underway, but also the fact that the Community Preservation Committee put funds in,” said Ragle-Davis.
It is also a way to thank major donors, other contributors, and volunteers such as private contractors who are helping with construction, like pouring the foundation and clearing the lot.
“When people do things of that size for no money, it’s our way to say thank you,” said Ragle-Davis. She said new sponsors would be added over time for the duration of the construction, which could take anywhere from six to 12 weeks.
“We do have to protect the town from … signage,” said ZBA Chairman Eric Pierce. “There’s no lights on it, right?”
Ragle-Davis told him no. And the colors will be the tradition green and blue of the organization, she added.
“Personally, I think this is a no-brainer,” said Pierce.
The board figured out the gross area of the sign, 36 square feet ground to top, and during consideration, Pierce pointed out that categorizing the type of sign might be tricky.
“This kind of falls between the cracks of a residential sign and a business sign,” said Pierce. Nonetheless, without much further discussion, the board approved the sign to be displayed for no longer than 16 weeks.
The Marion Congregational Church’s Appeal of the building permit for 16 Cottage Street was continued until July 23. Pierce said the board had “a few unanswered questions” pertaining to the matter.
The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for July 23 at 7:30 pm at the Marion Town House.
By Jean Perry
