On-Site Tour Of Proposed Bell Works LED Entrance Sign Is Set

HOLMDEL, NJ — An on-site inspection of an LED test sign at Bell Works is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 10, according to the township Planning Board.

Bell Works owners, Somerset Holmdel Development, is applying for the LED signs at the Bell Works roadside entrances to provide more exposure to the building's retail tenants. Internally lit black and white signs are at the entrances now.

The board says that if there is bad weather, those planning to attend the inspection should check the Planning Board Agenda section of the Township website to learn if the inspection will take place.

The inspection is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. at Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road.

Attendees should park in the North parking lot directly in front of the main entrance to Bell Works. Follow the designated parking signs upon arrival, the board said in its notice.

A shuttle service will be provided to transport attendees to the location of the LED test sign. The shuttle will operate between 8:25 p.m. and 8:35 p.m. Be at the North parking lot promptly if you wish to use the shuttle service.

The LED test sign is located along the entrance road in a location just north of the Ring Road, to the right side when entering the site from Crawfords Corner Road.

A proposal by Bell Works to substitute LED signage at three black, static entrance signs met with opposition from the public who attended a Planning Board meeting in June.

Those opposed expressed concern about the effects of lighted signs that would advertise businesses in Bell Works. You can read about that meeting here or view the entire meeting.

But there were representatives of retailers at Bell Works present at the meeting, too, who said how important it is to bring more attention to their businesses.

The existing monument signs each measure 80 inches in width by 120 (inches) in height and are internally illuminated, with white logo and text on a black background. At the initial Planning Board meeting, Inspired by Somerset Development said they would revise the size of the proposed signs to match the size of the current signs, a company spokesperson said.

The double-sided signs would include an 118-inch high screen on both sides, with the black and white illuminated Bell Works logo atop the screen, according to Planning Board documents.

Residents expressed concerns about the level of light to be emitted and distractions for drivers.

The hearing on the proposal will be continued on Sept. 19, not the original date of Aug. 15, the spokesperson said. It was expected to include a lighting expert brought in by the developer. The on-site visit was decided on in June to be a good way to get a feel for what the proposed signage would look like before the meeting.

In June, the board said there would be no public questions or comments at the on-site tour, but the board felt it would aid in visualizing the proposal.

Bell Works is the office and retail space created at the former Bell Labs building, a project of Somerset Holmdel Development and its president Ralph Zucker.

A map detailing the parking site and the test sign's location is posted on the Holmdel Township Planning Board section.

Attendees should adhere to all traffic rules and guidelines while driving within the Bell Works premises, the township said.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated to include the new date of the continued hearing on the matter and the details on the size of the proposed signs, updated from original Planning Board documents.