The Municipal Arts Commission on Monday approved a series of commercial sign and awning applications across New Rochelle, granting applicants permission to replace and update building signage and install illuminated sign cabinets and awnings.

The approvals came after applicants reviewed drawings and answered brief questions from commissioners. Chairperson Marissa Bowen called for motions on each application and commissioners voted in favor of the proposals.

Applicants said the proposed work is mostly limited to rebranding or replacing existing signs. Chris, representing Nancy Forrest’s application for 28 LaCount Place, told the commission the project is “basically the same sign, just the key is before the words,” and noted the channel-letter height request was 18 inches where the code allowed 16 inches. Lloyd San Diego, who identified himself as the store manager speaking on behalf of applicant Jonah Raskis, said the new internally illuminated sign for 77–113 Quaker Ridge Road is “much smaller than the one that we had prior.” A restaurant owner presenting an application at 1293A North Avenue said the proposed aluminum sign would include acrylic push-through letters and would be set on a timer to turn off at the appropriate hour. Other applicants described acrylic push-through and internally lit cabinets matching signs already approved in nearby strips.

Commissioners asked operational and context questions: whether rear-facing illuminated signs that face apartments or parking lots would be on timers (applicants said yes) and whether proposed signs matched existing storefront palettes. For one tenant strip, commissioners noted a previously approved set of matching sign boxes and said the new tenant sign was being proposed in the same style.

Votes at a glance

- Application by Nancy Forrest, 28 LaCount Place — install one channel-letter sign, two replacement faces and 12 interior parking-lot signs; letter-height variance requested (proposed 18 inches vs. permitted 16). Motion approved; chair Marissa Bowen and commissioners voted in favor.

- Application by Jonah Raskis, 77–113 Quaker Ridge Road — one internally illuminated sign and light box. Motion approved; commissioners voted in favor.

- Application by JC Awnings (1293A North Avenue) — replace an illuminated sign box and install an illuminated cabinet with push-through letters; applicant said rear box will have a timer. Motion approved; commissioners voted in favor.

- Application by JC Awnings (1483–1487 Weaver Street, Colonial Village) — acrylic push-through sign matching other tenant signs in the strip. Motion approved; commissioners voted in favor.

- Application by Deborah Masich (780 Main Street) — awning and storefront signage; commissioners discussed the awning placement and color; motion to approve awning and signage approved. Motion approved; commissioners voted in favor.

Each approval was taken by voice vote after a motion and second; commissioners present indicated assent with “Aye,” and the chair declared the motions passed.

Commissioners also suggested some nonbinding stylistic guidance: if awnings are replaced in the future, a dark or black awning was recommended for continuity in one shopping strip.

The applicants were reminded to obtain permits before installation and to comply with any timing or illumination limits the commission referenced during review. No monetary penalties, enforcement actions or appeals were discussed at the meeting.

Ending

Applicants were told to wait for building-permit approvals and to provide final permit-ready drawings to the city. The commission moved on to administrative items after completing the listed sign and awning cases.