Stop and Shop Expansion in Old Saybrook Could Be Delayed

OLD SAYBROOK - Approval for a proposed 10,167-square-foot Super Stop and Shop expansion could be delayed until issues at the Old Saybrook Shopping Center are addressed, including the proposed signage for the supermarket's storefront.

At a Feb. 5 Zoning Commission public hearing, Stop and Shop's attorney Tom Cote said the project would replace seven wooden departmental signs on the storefront with 11 signs made up of black 16-inch aluminum die-cut letters.

According to a Nov. 25 Peterson/Griffin Architects rendering, the signs include: People's Bank, Dunkin' Donuts, pharmacy, floral, deli, produce, bakery, seafood, meat, Nature's Promise, and Staples.

The later two signs refer to name-brand products on the store's shelves.

While Commission Chairman Robert Friedmann said it could be argued that People's Bank, Dunkin' Donuts, the pharmacy and the florist are "separate businesses since they have separate registers," he questioned the need of the other signs since they spell out departments seen in a typical supermarket.

While signs such as "produce" and "meat" are allowed at the Waterford Stop and Shop, Friedmann said these are not allowed in Old Saybrook.

Cote argued the signs are "an important part of the company's identity," which will add to the storefront's aesthetical appearance, and are small enough to meet sign requirements.

The Clinton Stop and Shop only has nine department signs.

Zoning Commission Attorney Mark Branse said while the commission cannot regulate the content of a sign, it can require a special exception permit for additional signage.

Branse told Old Saybrook Shopping Center owner Matt Rubin that the center should be "brought to the current level of compliance as much as possible," referring to a number of issues raised by Zoning Enforcement Officer Chris Costa.