Municipal Arts Commission approves several sign permits, extends leasing banner at 333 Huberta for one year

The New Rochelle Municipal Arts Commission on a June 2025 agenda approved three storefront sign applications and granted a one-year extension for existing leasing banners on a separate administrative request, while several other applicants were not present for second calls.

The commission voted to approve replacement and new wall and channel-lit signs for downtown storefronts and a three-sign installation for a storage facility frontage. Separately, members voted to renew existing leasing banners at 333 Huberta for one year. A motion with conditions was made during discussion of a separate temporary leasing-banner application for 247 North Avenue, but the transcript does not record a formal vote on that item.

Members said the approvals were largely routine sign reviews, with commissioners asking only clarifying questions about size, illumination and placement. For the 333 Huberta leasing banners, which the applicant asked to extend because of slow leasing market conditions, the commission debated how long temporary leasing banners should be allowed downtown and settled on a one-year extension.

Key details and outcomes

- 12-2025, Ray Russo — replacement wall sign, 521 Main Street: Motion to approve carried (voice vote recorded as “Aye”). Application replaces an aluminum pan sign in the same location and size as an existing sign installed in 02/2006. The applicant said the new sign will match the prior placement and dimensions.

- 13-2025, (owner representing Daniel Couto) — channel-lit sign, 119 Pelham Road: Motion to approve carried. Applicant said there is currently no sign at the vacant storefront; the proposed illuminated box is intended to provide a modern look compatible with nearby signage and the proposed height (36 inches) was described as consistent with neighboring signs.

- 14-2025, Josh Raccoon — three channel-letter signs, 2 Birch Street: Motion to approve carried. One sign faces I-95 and the other facades were described as identical in letter height/area; the applicant said the third sign is being added to match the site’s new tenant identity.

- Administrative item (renewal), Mark Michael Hargis — renewal of leasing banners at 333 Huberta: Motion to approve a one-year extension carried (vote recorded: “All in favor? 5.”). The applicant told the commission the building is not fully leased (Encore phase ~89% leased; 333 building ~92% leased) and argued that the banners help leasing in a competitive market. Commissioners discussed limits on temporary banner duration and agreed the department of development should consider a standard for initial periods and renewals.

Discussion-only or no-action items

- 11-2025, Andrew Canardi — two temporary leasing banners, 247 North Avenue: The applicant described banner dimensions (52 feet long by 8 feet high), materials (Duratex PVC-coated mesh), anchoring (half-inch masonry anchors, 60 anchors per banner) and said engineering calculations will be submitted as part of the Department of Buildings filing. Commissioners and the applicant discussed timing with an existing sidewalk shed: the shed is scheduled to be removed mid-July and the applicant offered to time installation so the banner is not displayed concurrently with scaffold graphics. A commissioner moved to approve with the condition that “there’s no other signage on scaffolding”; the motion was seconded. The transcript does not record the result of that vote.

- Applications 15-2025 (awning) and 16-2025 (legalize painted wall art), applicant Lewis Nava, 149 North Avenue: Applicant was not present for second call; the commission made no final decision on the record. Members expressed concern about the awning’s placement overlapping existing wall art and the visual fit with the mural.

- 17-2025, Forrest Page — new canopy sign at 28 LaCount Place: Applicant not present; no action recorded.

What the commission asked for or required

- Engineering calculations and Department of Buildings filing for the 247 North Avenue banners. - Applicants to confirm exact materials and anchor details where noted (applicants provided some specifications in their presentations; commissioners asked departments to consider standardized duration limits and material standards for temporary leasing banners).

Why it matters

Commissioners balanced commercial applicants’ need for leasing and branding against long-term preservation of downtown aesthetics. The one-year extension for 333 Huberta reflects a preference to provide short-term relief to leasing challenges while signaling the commission’s interest in defining clearer multi-year standards for temporary banners.

The meeting also highlighted routine enforcement of sign size, placement and illumination standards and left several items pending when applicants failed to appear for second calls. Members asked the department of development to consider setting clearer standards for banner duration and material durability to reduce repetitive renewals and to ensure downtown signage does not make buildings appear vacant.

The commission adjourned after completing the evening’s approvals and second calls.