With Changes, Shop Can Open Next Week

Changes to the exterior of the Brake Masters shop at Thompson Boulevard and Seaward Avenue have passed the test of the city’s Design Review Committee, and the business will be allowed to open next week.

Committee members Ted Temple, Curtis Stiles and Duane Livingston met franchise representatives at the shop Monday afternoon to inspect plans for new landscaping, paint and signage as ordered by the city. Committee members Nick Deitch and Jone Pence were not present.

City officials ordered the changes--including removing red stripes from the building’s exterior--when the project contractor strayed from the committee’s recommended design. The building will now be painted off-white or antique white.

“We accommodated the city, and decided to work with the city, because we wanted to get the store open and started,” said Israel Linder, a representative of Brake Masters, a nationwide chain. “We spent $50,000 more than we intended to spend.”

The building’s proposed design went before the committee about two years ago. The red stripes were approved, but the signage, which includes a red octagon with white lettering was not, city officials said.

The project was completed earlier this month, but the sign went up without permission and the workmanship of the approved elements was poor, officials said.