Crown Court Appartments Proposal Sign Struck Down By Local Government

Just before one sign at 100 Marketplace was considered favorably by the Township Committee at their Tuesday, June 29 meeting, another sign requested by Crown Court Apartments was struck down.

The committee received correspondence in a letter from the owners of the apartment and townhome development requesting the placement of a 35-inch by 67-inch, green and white sign at the corner of Spring Valley Road and Crown Court Drive.

Township Engineer Peter Messina presented the proposal to the committee based on talks with the owners. According to Messina, the apartment owners have received complaints that the complex is difficult to find, and they hoped a larger sign near the entrance of the facility would help alleviate the problem.

As presented to the committee, the design of the proposed sign (pictured above) included the name of the complex, the tagline "Luxury Rental Apartments and Townhomes" and a phone number.

Township Committee member Mary Pavlini disapproved of the design. "This isn't a directional sign, it's an advertisement," she said. The other Township Committee members agreed. "With the phone number on there, I think it's simply a solicitation," Township Committee member Carolyn Gaziano said.

The site of the proposed sign already contains a street sign for Crown Court Drive, which the committee deemed enough for residents to find their way.

Mayor Scott Spitzer was also concerned about the message the sign would send in terms of bifurcating neighborhoods. "As a general matter, I think signs marking developments tend to separate our community instead of bringing it together," Spitzer said. "If it's simply making a left hand turn, then I just don't understand the demonstrated need."

The committee voted unanimously to send a reply letter indicating that there was no support for the proposal.