By Mary O’KEEFE

On Wednesday the City of Glendale Planning Hearing Officer Meeting discussed a variance proposal concerning Trader Joe’s market that will be built at 2448 Honolulu Ave.
The variance is for a new projecting sign and a permit to sell alcohol.
The sign proposed would not be lit from within but with exterior lights. The sign proposed by the architect firm of Kip Klayton Architects, Inc. is 24 square feet and 12 inches thick.  The city allowance for a sign has a maximum of six square feet and six inches thick.
The city staff suggested approving the variance concerning the signage primarily because it complements the design of the building. The style of the proposed 14,670 square-foot single-story building harkens back to the early 20th century, which matches the look and feel of the Montrose Shopping Park area. In accordance to the city code, the Trader Joe’s building would be allowed to have wall signs, which could cover over 200 feet. The staff’s opinion was that the larger projecting sign would be better than wall signs. It added a stipulation that if the larger sign variance was agreed upon Trader Joe’s representatives would agree not to add wall signs in the future.
Trader Joe’s representatives did not feel comfortable with that stipulation and raised concerns over not being able to add a wall sign if trees planted would cover the projecting sign that would be in place.
Planning Officer Jeff Hamilton said he did not feel comfortable taking the variance for the requested signage under submission. He requested further studies into the signage issue including photos of the Montrose Shopping Park signage already in existence. He also asked for photos of Trader Joe’s in other areas that have both wall and projected signs.  Another meeting has been proposed for June 30.
Hamilton said he will take the request for alcohol sales under submission and a decision will be made within a few days.
Trader Joe’s representatives will be back at the city for a Design Review Board meeting at 5 p.m. tonight, Thursday, at the city of Glendale. It will be their first time submittal for final review.

  Crescenta, montrose, Trader Joe’s