Mount Kisco Architectural Review Board approves several façade changes, asks BP/Amoco re-image to scale back signage

The Village/Town of Mount Kisco Architectural Review Board met Jan. 15 and approved several small-scale exterior changes while urging revisions to two commercial signage proposals.

At the start of the meeting, Chairman Frank Tortorello (Architectural Review Board) noted members Nancy Abramson and Patricia Chadwick were present and the Board reviewed returning and new cases. The Board unanimously favored the original schematic for a proposed second-floor addition at 556 Main Street (Manara Laundromat) and agreed to send a memo to the Zoning Board of Appeals stating that architectural preference; the applicant will return with final materials after zoning review.

Bohler Engineering representative Douglas Grysko presented a BP/Amoco re-imaging for the service station at 540 Main Street. The proposal would replace the existing Amoco oval torch with a roughly 57.2-square-foot square pylon sign at the same height (about 21'4"), add illuminated starburst logos (36" x 36") on canopy sides, a green bull-nose fascia (2'9" high) with a 2" accent light band on three sides, and an illuminated price panel. Chairman Tortorello said the overall presentation “does everything that the Board does not want to do,” calling the plan visually excessive for the Village and the street’s mix of uses. The Board recommended several changes: use the vinyl decal on all four sides of the canopy fascia, eliminate the accent lighting, scale the starburst emblems down to about 30 inches, remove the price panel, and eliminate the clearance signs (the proposal’s 14' clearance signs exceeded the 13'6" legal standard cited by the Chair). Grysko said he would consult with his client; the case will return for further review.

Richard Scott Mason, proposing signage and an awning for a day spa at 15–17 South Moger Avenue, said he planned a rear-lit front sign (8' x 2'), a rear wall sign (15' x 3') and a 9' x 4' awning. Board members urged a simpler, more classic treatment that better fits the downtown context: move identification closer to the storefront entrance or use a sloped canopy with gooseneck lighting, prefer a dark background with light letters or raised letters with gooseneck lights, and avoid a large rear wall sign that could confuse patrons seeking the neighboring businesses. Mason said he would return with revised options.

The Board approved three owner proposals after minor clarifications. At 73 East Way, Artie Blouin won approval to restore the front door and replace the side entry; he indicated a Thermatru 36" door (CC45) with 12" sidelights (CC2279SL) for the front and a 36" solid side door. Patricia Chadwick moved to accept the amended proposal; Nancy Abramson seconded and the Board voted all ayes.

At 480 Main Street, Denis Murphy received approval to add a matching entry door and to use an existing pylon sign panel for his new Big Apple Bagel location; Murphy said he would occupy about 1,800 square feet and sublet the remainder. The Board approved as noted (motion by Chadwick; second by Abramson; all ayes).

At 135 Grove Street, owner Ann Marie Demonda and architect Stefano Cardarelli received approval for a rear expansion of about 8–10 feet to enlarge the kitchen and a roughly 30" side bump-out, with the house to remain its existing taupe color and use Anderson white casement windows. The Board discussed, but did not require, a wraparound porch; members approved the proposal as presented (motion by Chadwick; second by Abramson; all ayes).

The Board approved the Dec. 18, 2002 minutes (motion by Nancy Abramson; second by Chairman Tortorello) and adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Several commercial signage matters (BP/Amoco re-image and the Richard Scott Salon sign) were left for follow-up; applicants were asked to return with simplified designs and material/color samples.