Board of Adjustment denies variance for electronic messaging sign at Albany County Courthouse

The Board of Adjustment denied a variance request by a 5-0 roll-call vote on July 14 for a monument sign proposed at 525 East Grand Avenue, the site of the Albany County Courthouse.

Commissioner Schneider exited the meeting prior to the Board's consideration, citing a recusal. The variance application was presented as submitted by Albany County and reviewed by staff; the packet noted the proposed sign would include an electronic messaging center (EMC) and would exceed the downtown commercial zoning district's height and area limits for signage. The transcript records that EMCs are not currently permitted in that zoning district.

Staff provided a favorable recommendation based on the site context and surrounding zoning, but the Board expressed concerns about scale compatibility and consistency with the sign code. After deliberation the Board denied the variance by a 5-0 roll-call vote.

The transcript identifies the presenter as Jake Schneider, listed as having submitted the request on behalf of Albany County. The record does not indicate whether Jake Schneider and Commissioner Schneider are the same person; the article does not assume they are the same individual.