Urban Affairs Committee postpones Apex Drive sign approvals over unpermitted installation

MARLBOROUGH -- March 1, 2021, Marlborough committee postpones Apex Drive sign approvals over unpermitted installation. The Urban Affairs Committee voted 4-0 Monday to hold orders for flat wall signs at Apex Mini Golf and Apex Kids at 21 Apex Drive after learning the signs were installed in September without a permit and that the building application was not filed until early January. Code enforcement officer Ethan Lippett said only a single $50 fine has been assessed but daily penalties could accumulate; Councilor Sean Navin calculated potential fines reaching $22,500 per sign. Attorney Kevin Erickson, representing the owner, called the violation inadvertent and asked for "clemency," citing pandemic strain on tenants. Councilor Michael Ossing proposed an automatic $1,000 fine for any unpermitted sign, saying contractors "know better." Vice Chair Donald Landers moved the postponement pending solicitor guidance on maximum penalties.