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ZBA approves Central Rock Gym sign variance with condition to remove full backer panel
Summary
After a reapplication, the board granted a sign-area variance for Central Rock Gym on River Street, approving illuminated channel letters while conditioning the approval on removal of the large blue backer panel; the board issued a SEQR negative declaration for the new application.
The Zoning Board approved a sign-area variance that will allow Central Rock Gym to install front-lit channel letters on the building at the location of its temporary banner, with the condition that the large blue backer panel not remain as the primary sign face.
The applicant and their sign representative explained they moved the sign from an exterior stairwell to a square backdrop on the building that was part of the original site-plan design. "The building was built for that purpose in that area," Jamie Coloritolo said, adding the storefront backer was present to allow lettering without requiring extensive drilling into corrugated siding.
The board first concluded a Short Environmental Assessment Form submitted with the new application (filed after a prior application under a different number was denied) provided sufficient information for a negative declaration under SEQR. The motion and second for the negative declaration passed and the board then considered the sign-area variance.
Key technical points discussed: the applicant said the temporary banner measures 18 feet by 7 feet; the blue backer is roughly 19 feet by 7.5 feet (about 144.6 square feet) and the letters alone were calculated by the applicant to total about 102 square feet. Staff clarified the permitted sign area under the current code is 48 square feet for this building type and zone; the applicant proposed channel letters mounted to a narrow raceway to minimize penetrations through the corrugated siding.
Board action: the zoning board approved the variance for the channel-letter design with the condition that the full backer plaque will be removed or not used as the sign face; the action included a SEQR negative determination for the current application number. The board recorded its approvals on the record and the applicant was instructed on the required mount and wiring details discussed with staff.
What this means: Central Rock Gym can proceed with installation of lit channel letters mounted on a raceway instead of retaining the larger blue backer that exceeds the code's permitted sign area; installation details will be reviewed by city staff for compliance with the condition.
