Utica council approves sign variance for 45411 Park Avenue after debate over digital portion

The Utica City Council on May 13 approved a variance for a new pylon sign at 45411 Park Avenue, authorizing a maximum 200-square-foot sign with no more than 50% devoted to electronic messaging.

The motion to approve the variances as recommended by the city planner passed on a 4–1 roll call. Councilmember O'Donnell voted no; Councilmembers Chirenzi, Diane Backus and Weaver and Mayor Mary Calandrino voted yes. The motion was made by Councilmember Faith Torenzi and supported by Councilwoman Diane Backus.

The variance request, presented by petitioner Marvin Kesey, sought a larger digital pylon to improve visibility for a business located behind other commercial buildings near the Dave & Buster's parcel along M-53. Kesey told the council the sign is needed because the business is “tucked away” and not visible from major roads, and that planning recommended some reductions. He said the proposed location is on the north-northwest corner of the parcel near the grass corridor between his building and Dave & Buster’s.

Planner Steven Cassin (referred to in the packet) recommended approving a reduced maximum—200 square feet total with the digital portion limited to 50% or less—rather than the larger size Kesey originally proposed. During deliberations councilmembers contrasted the petitioner’s request with existing signage in the area (councilors cited large signs for nearby hotels and Dave & Buster’s). Kesey told the council he expected the final engineered design to reflect wind-load and bracing adjustments.

Council discussion focused on consistency and fairness of sign rules. O'Donnell argued the situation did not meet the typical “extenuating circumstances” standard for a variance, saying the location’s visibility issues were not particularly special. Torenzi and others noted surrounding properties already have large signage and said the planner’s recommendation narrowed the request sufficiently.

The council recorded the following practical clarifications on the record: the planner recommended a maximum 200-square-foot pylon sign; the digital messaging portion was limited to 50% or less of the total face; the city will require engineered drawings demonstrating wind bracing and structural compliance before final permit issuance.

The council’s motion approving the variance instructs staff to ensure the final permit and construction drawings conform to the engineering and wind-load requirements and the approved size limits.

The petitioner may proceed with permit submittal subject to those conditions and standard building department reviews.