Planning Board approves revised Cayuga Park signage package with condition that building blade signs not be illuminated

The Ithaca Planning Board voted June 24 to approve a revised signage package for the Cayuga Park development after the applicant reduced sign sizes and consolidated building-name panels; the board’s approval carries a condition that the proposed blade-style on-building signs not be illuminated, and that the applicant secure any necessary variances from the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Jacob (last name not specified) and designers Paul Colucci and Paul Dudley presented the revised package and showed side-by-side comparisons of earlier and current sign dimensions. Revisions included reducing the scale of the primary monument sign at the Route 13 entrance, consolidating building-name panels and shrinking blade signs at the building corners. The applicant said the new color and materials were chosen to coordinate with building cladding and brick base elements.

Board members applauded the reduction in scale and material coordination but raised concerns about illumination. The board’s final motion approved the signage package with a clear restriction: the blade signs installed at building corners may not be illuminated. The primary monument signs and other site signs were otherwise accepted in their revised forms. In addition, the board’s approval will be conditional on the applicant obtaining a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals where required for certain sign elements.

The roll-call vote passed with four members in favor and one opposed; Elizabeth Gaiden recorded a no vote. The board directed staff to draft the formal resolution and to include the condition that the blade signs be non-illuminated and that BZA approval be obtained as a prerequisite to final sign permits.