The Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission cautiously issued a certificate of appropriateness for a signage proposal for the back façade of 310 Brodhead Ave. at the Dec. 18 meeting held in the Rotunda.

Before getting to the one agenda item, Chairman Gary Lader introduced MKSD architect Todd Chambers as the board’s newest member.

Historic Officer Jeffrey Long noted that the signage had already been installed on the one-story garage façade facing Shawnee Street ahead of the hearing, including another sign in the front window of the three-story brick residential over commercial building facing Brodhead. The two ends are connected by a two-story middle addition. Both additions are constructed of concrete block masonry and were built in the late 20th century.

Representing TopLine Auto Detailing, were owner Carlos Duran and employee Edmarlyn Marichal, who apologized for putting the signs up prematurely. “We didn’t even know we needed a permit for the signs,” said Marichal. The signs went up because customers had been unable to find their business.

“It’s still hard for people to know we are back there,” said Marichal. “Even when customers come, they think it is in the front.” Their landlord suggested they post a sign in the front window to direct business to the rear of the property, which sits midblock.

Three of the four vinyl-wrapped aluminum wall signs hang over three solid panel garage doors. The fourth vinyl-wrapped aluminum wall sign, listing business hours, is at the southwest corner of the façade with a main door, serving as the business entrance, around the corner. The 123-inch-by-26-inch center sign lists the business name. Flanking it are signs with graphics and lettering that list services, phone number, website and address. The wall signs are not illuminated.

Two 19-inch-by-30-inch LED illuminated signs, mimicking arrow-shaped neon signage, are installed on the posts separating the garage doors. When turned on they indicate the business is “open.” It was explained that it was necessary to have these, as the bay doors are usually closed when the weather turns cold.

“I think we all feel sympathy for your situation, yet we want to uphold our guidelines for signage,” said Lader.

To avoid setting a precedent, they worded the COA allowing for exceptions in this case only, for the reasons listed below.

While gently reminding the applicants they should have waited to order and install the signs, the HCC allowed them to retain them as the cinder block rear addition of the property, where the business is located, is a “non contributing” structure, unlike the historic storefront facing Brodhead. The front of the building was erected between 1890 and 1900. It was once home to Mike’s Auto Glass, a business that had occupied the entire first floor, including the garage at the rear. TopLine only occupies the garage addition.

The COA was also approved as the signage faces Shawnee Street, which is more of a back alley than a thoroughfare. The applicants are to paint the visible metal fasteners to match the background of the signs.

It was recommended Duran and Marichal move the “business hours” sign from the corner and post it on the side door which leads to the business lobby. They were advised to move one of the “open” LED signs to the corner where the “hours” sign is currently posted. The sign in the empty storefront window facing Brodhead is just a cardboard poster to indicate the business is at the rear and can remain a while, as it is considered “temporary.”

The board reminded them not to do anything with the signs until they receive city council approval.

Valley Toros LLC owns the commercial property.

The Bethlehem HCC is charged with the task of determining if new signs or other alterations to a building’s exterior would be an appropriate fit for the neighborhood in one of three designated historic districts.

Obtaining a certificate of appropriateness is only a first step for business owners and residents in a designated historic district who wish to make alterations to a building’s exterior. The commission’s recommendations are later reviewed, and then voted on by city council before any project is allowed to proceed.