The South Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission discussed new signage for Domino’s Pizza on East Third Street, considering a rare exception for an internally-illuminated sign in the historic Southside.

The building, a three-story masonry row dwelling dating back to the early 19th century, is zoned commercially on the first floor, while the upper two floors are zoned for residential use. The new sign measures 15.25 inches by 29.5 inches, and is smaller than the existing Domino’s Pizza sign.

The current sign hangs from chains which rattle continuously and occasionally breaks, disturbing the second and third floor residents.

“The only thing we’re concerned with here is the internal illumination, which has typically been discouraged,” explained Christine Ussler, the Bethlehem Historic Officer. The Historic Conservation Commission has offered exceptions regarding internally-illuminated signs for businesses, including Fox Optical and most recently Southside 313, formerly Looper’s Grille and Bar.

Owner Bill Morris maintains a similar sign, but much larger, outside his Domino’s Pizza holding along Easton Avenue in Bethlehem, which measures 9 feet by 4 feet. The wattage of the sign is adjustable.

“The sign [along Easton Avenue] will not even illuminate a car underneath,” said owner Bill Morris. Explaining the dimensions of the proposed Southside sign, Morris said, “I try to get it so it’s as small and identifiable a logo as possible to keep it in the character of the neighborhood.

“It’s not a bright sign, it’s a warm sign,” he added.

“I’m just thinking, ‘Gosh, this looks an awful lot like the light-box signs we’re telling people they’re not allowed to use,” said Craig Evans, a commission member and resident.

“What I do like about this [signage] is it’s shaped like a domino and often historic signs were shaped like something, like a teacup or a shoe or glasses, so that makes it seem more appropriate to me,” said Beth Starbuck, commission member and owner of Starbuck Goldner Tile. “But I am having a bit of trouble with the internal illumination,” she added.

The commission ultimately approved the new signage, granting a Certificate of Appropriateness for Domino’s Pizza. The recommendation will be forwarded to Bethlehem City Council for final approval.

The commission also held reviews of a planned expansion of Sotto Santi, located on Fourth Street, and exterior alterations of George’s Light Lunch, formerly Euro Yogurt, located on East Third Streets. Both proposals had insufficient documentation of their proposals, and the discussions were tabled for a future time.

The South Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission’s charter is to promote, protect, enhance, and preserve historic resources and traditional community character for the educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare of the public through the preservation and regulation of buildings and areas of historic interest or importance within the city.