The committee that oversees aesthetic standards in Claymont will vote Wednesday on loosening Philadelphia Pike sign restrictions, after some business owners looking to improve their storefront signs were shot down.
The rejections have prompted a second look at whether the existing criteria set down in the Manual of Design Guidelines is too restrictive.
“The guidelines we put in place at the beginning weren’t meant to be an end all,” said John DiConstanza, president of the Claymont Design Review Advisory Committee. “We always felt we would learn as we went along what the needs of the merchants and tenants are along the pike and as signs have come, we’ve seen places we could maybe make changes.”
Just last month, new signage at the Claymont Steak Shop was voted down because it included an oval-shaped capsule sign advertising “pizza, subs, steaks” under the primary store sign – something that is currently prohibited in the guidelines.
Proposed changes would allow that type of signage, as well as some internally illuminated pylon signs, which are currently prohibited.
DiConstanza, who, along with fellow DRAC member Carl Colantuono formed a sub-committee to study the issue, said the changes would also look to establish sign concepts and designs for multi-unit sites like shopping centers.
“Basically the landlord would have a program where the tenants would come in and they could present them with the different signage options available to them,” he said.
Brett Saddler, executive director of the Claymont Renaissance Development Corporation, said it was important to strike a balance between demanding attractive signage and making the criteria fair to local businesses.
“As part of a comprehensive revitalization strategy, commercial signage guidelines are key to creating a aesthetically pleasing and walkable Philadelphia Pike,” he said. “I believe the DRAC will balance the needs of the business community with the desires of the Renaissance stakeholders to avert Claymont’s mainstreet from becoming another Route 13 or Kirkwood Highway.”
John Thornes, who owns and operates Sweeney’s Seed Garden Center on Philadelphia Pike, said he was supportive of the sign regulations.
“It’s good for business and it’s good for the community,” he said. “We certainly support improving Claymont.”
