Municipal Arts Commission approves illuminated aluminum sign for Benchmark Education at 145 Huguenot

The New Rochelle Municipal Arts Commission approved an application to install an externally mounted aluminum back-panel sign with internally illuminated letters for Benchmark Education at 145 Huguenot.

Josh Ronish, of Sign Design and JC Awning in Port Chester, told the commission Benchmark Education recently renewed its lease at 145 Huguenot and is undertaking interior and exterior changes. “So we're hoping to get a sign in place for them on the exterior of the building,” Ronish said. He said the proposed sign will be “very similar to what GHP already has on the building,” describing an aluminum pan with tubular aluminum supports and steel bracing and channel letters about 5 inches deep.

The application, filed under case number 072025 by Sue Banchi, requests permission for letters 37 inches high where 16 inches is permitted under the city's sign code, a variance noted during the discussion. Commission members asked whether the sign would extend above the parapet; Ronish said it would not and that the panel would be bolted through the parapet for security. The applicant also noted the proposed sign is slightly smaller than the existing GHP sign on the same building.

With no further questions from commissioners, a member moved to accept the application and another commissioner seconded. The commission recorded the motion as passed; the transcript does not specify the names of the mover or seconder or a vote tally. The file lists no additional administrative items for the evening.

The commission meeting opened with Jane Walls sitting in for Marissa Bowen and included commissioners Alejandra Hernandez, Michael Marrero and Fred Spenowitz, and city staff Joe Guglielmo and Kevin Jimenez. Ronish represented the applicant during the public presentation. No public comments or formal objections were recorded in the transcript.