Patchogue panel approves multiple storefront and signage applications, denies unapproved window foliage

The Planning and Architectural Review Advisory Committee on May 25 approved several business uses and storefront alterations, denied unauthorized foliage and window coverings at specific downtown addresses, and set conditions for a freestanding sign that exceeds code.

Approvals at a glance: Aaron Coffey’s plan to open a collectible and trading‑card store at 202 East Main Street was approved; the applicant told the committee he will seek a certificate of occupancy and operate roughly 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, and later plans separate approvals for organized tournaments. The committee approved the applicant’s description of interior finishes and advised he consider a rear customer entrance and prepared signage applications.

The committee approved Tree Gansos LLC’s proposal to lease the 1,622‑square‑foot second‑floor office space at 125 East Main Street and a 103‑square‑foot metal staircase at the rear to provide additional ingress and egress. The speaker representing the owner said the second‑floor office layout mirrors the building’s prior use as insurance offices and that no change in primary use is proposed.

The committee approved a request for a juice/juice‑bar café with artwork displays at 80 Terry Street (applicant listed as Maria Maraso). The approval included the proposed non‑lit storefront sign as submitted; the committee recorded that there will be no on‑site cooking (only prepackaged goods, coffee and smoothies) and advised the applicant to confirm county health department requirements.

Other walk‑in approvals included new vinyl siding and windows for a property listed as “144” (approved as submitted) and a storefront sign at 180 East Main Street. The committee also approved a submitted hanging sign for a tenant but denied unapproved vines, flowers and additional awning attachments at 30 East Main Street and directed the proprietor to repaint two flower boxes and remove extra window materials. At 23 River Avenue the committee approved building signage but ordered removal of paper signs on lower windows (one exception allowed for a refrigerator) and flagged a freestanding sign that exceeds village code; the owner was told to seek a zoning variance if he wants a larger freestanding sign.

For 31 Baker Place (the site of the former tiki/sandbar), the committee approved signage as submitted but conditioned that the approval be confirmed following a site visit; the committee said it would visit the property before final sign issuance.

Procedural note: the parcel behind “PB Hoops” was withdrawn from the planning calendar and removed from the agenda at the applicant’s request.

Why it matters: The approvals allow several small businesses to open or re‑open in downtown Patchogue without major structural changes. The committee’s conditions and denials on signage, vines and window coverings reflect ongoing enforcement of the village’s façade and signage standards.

What committee members said: Committee members repeatedly advised applicants to check with the Building Department and Suffolk County Health Department for permits and to submit separate sign applications where required. On the card shop application, a committee member recommended a rear entrance because “people are lazy” and will more easily use a door adjacent to parking.

Votes and record: Most approvals were recorded by voice vote with “Aye” from members; the transcript did not capture a roll‑call tally for each item.