FRANKLIN — Brothers Donuts will be allowed to keep their window signs after the Heritage Commission unanimously approved them. The decision came during a commission meeting held Monday evening at the public library.
Mayor Desiree McLaughlin, who is also the store’s landlord, represented owner Malverino Rizzo at the meeting. She explained that Rizzo’s small business needed to adapt to remain competitive, given it lacks a drive-thru and multiple locations.
“These signs display the donuts available at the shop,” McLaughlin said. “It’s a way for a small business to stay viable in a changing environment.”
The commission based its decision on Section 78-10, Part A of their code, which covers alterations and additions to signs and exterior features. The discussion focused specifically on the signs visible from the exterior of the store. Commission Chair Glenn Feener emphasized that the board operates quasi-judicially and that all decisions are made in accordance with the ordinances.
Feener also advised those with concerns about the rules or the commission’s oversight of the historic district to address them with the mayor and city council.
McLaughlin mentioned that Rizzo submitted an application in June to retain the signs. However, the heritage commission was not informed about the new signage. She attributed the issue to a communication breakdown, with Rizzo unaware that the change would require review under the signage category.
“The main issue was that Mal didn’t realize this was considered signage,” McLaughlin said. “It’s a small, unobtrusive menu compared to larger signs.”
City Councilor Ed Prive of Ward 3 spoke in favor of the signs during the public hearing. He acknowledged some procedural hiccups but advocated for leniency and correction rather than strict enforcement.
“It’s important to allow for corrections rather than penalizing him harshly,” Prive said. “He’s been a valued member of the community for over 40 years. Why would we want to undermine that?”
Leigh Webb, a commission member and City Councilor representing Ward 3, stated that the commission’s focus was solely on the signage issue, not on the business’s popularity.
“This is about adhering to signage rules and maintaining the historic look,” Webb said. “It’s not about their popularity.”
Before the vote, the commission received strong support from around 75 residents, many of whom were attending a heritage commission meeting for the first time. McLaughlin also presented a petition with 171 signatures backing the shop. The issue created an unexpected alliance between McLaughlin and Dan Darling, executive director of Franklin Opera House, who had previously clashed over a bond for renovating Soldiers Memorial Hall.
Darling expressed his support for the signs, calling them a positive addition to downtown. “I thought it was nice and decorative,” he said. “It enhances the appearance of downtown, which previously seemed dull.”
The commission considered alternatives to the window signs, such as an indoor menu. Debbie Auger, a Ward 3 resident, argued that exterior signs attract customers who might otherwise pass by.
“Window signs draw people in, whereas an indoor menu requires customers to already be inside,” Auger said. “Having attractive signs outside is crucial for drawing in customers.”
Although the commission approved the signs, Brothers Donuts must still get approval from the zoning board for their size. The commission’s approval only covered the signs’ use and color, aiming to maintain a consistent aesthetic in the historic downtown area.
After the meeting, Rizzo expressed relief that the signs were approved. He clarified that the intent was simply to display the shop’s menu.
“We didn’t think it would be a problem,” Rizzo said. “The signs were meant to showcase the variety of donuts we offer. It’s just a menu, and I was surprised by the discussion about the colors, considering the donuts are actual photos.”
Rizzo was pleased with the approval but noted the challenge of changing colors for photographic representations of donuts. “You can’t change the color of a strawberry sprinkled donut,” he said.