Planning commission approves conversion of Park Street sign face to digital with state approvals required

The Syracuse Planning Commission approved an off‑premise sign application to convert an existing static sign face at 2220 Park Street to a digital (electronic) face, subject to state approvals.

Applicant Steven D. Frank of Park Outdoor Advertising described the existing sign structure at 2220 Park Street and said the proposed change would convert an existing static face to a digital face without changing the structure’s height or square footage. Frank said the face reads to drivers exiting the city on Route 81 and that the company would still need New York State Department of Transportation approvals for billboard use at the location.

The commission completed SEQR review, adopting a negative declaration after staff and applicant EAFs were considered. Commissioners clarified that approval would effectively reset the administrative permit renewal clock (the applicant stated the renewal is due in August; an approved resubmission would reset the term and delay the next renewal for 10 years) and that state approvals remain required.

The commission approved the special use permit (AS1523M1) with two added conditions beyond the general sign conditions: (1) the applicant shall coordinate with the New York State Department of Transportation and obtain necessary approvals for billboard use at this sign location, and (2) the applicant shall obtain appropriate approvals from NYSDOT for the proposed north‑facing electronic digital sign. The motion passed on a voice vote; no public speakers opposed or supported the application during the hearing.