Curie Planning Commission approves 27-square-foot sign for 18 North Market St.

The Curie Planning Commission on Jan. 28 approved a certificate of appropriateness permitting a 27-square-foot building sign at 18 North Market Street. A city staff member said the proposal meets the City of Troy sign code and Section 5.4 of the design manual, and recommended approval.

The staff presentation said the sign would use raised dimensional lettering fabricated from aluminum composite material with black lettering, dark brown trim and a faux-wood background. "This building is permitted to have a total of 27 square feet of building signage," the city staff member said during the presentation. The applicant is proposing the maximum allowed 27 square feet.

Commissioners asked about the business that will occupy the storefront. An unidentified speaker in the discussion said, "I think he's talking about putting a restaurant in," and commissioners noted the sign does not identify the business type. Staff clarified that incidental exterior signs smaller than 2 square feet (for example, an "open" sign or hours) do not count toward the building-sign allowance and said a small bulletin/menu board on the property would be removed.

The application was made by Ken Thompson of Flawless Signs on behalf of owner Alan Lay. Staff said the applicant intends to occupy both 18 and 20 North Market. A commissioner moved to approve the application "as presented"; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll-call vote.

Roll-call votes recorded in the meeting were: Mr. Wolke, Yes; Mr. Westmeyer, Yes; Mr. Titterington, Yes; Mr. Emmerich, Yes; and Mr. McGarry, Yes. The commission took no additional conditions beyond the standard permit notes that the applicant is at the maximum building-sign allowance.

The commission approved the Jan. 14 meeting minutes earlier in the session and adjourned after the sign vote.