Hartsdale committee backs Makoto Sushi sign after minor contrast tweak requested

The Hartsdale Contextual Review Committee voted Feb. 17 to send a positive recommendation for Makoto Sushi’s exterior signage, with a requested minor contrast adjustment to the street numerals to improve visibility.

Garrett Duquesne, a planning commissioner and committee chair, opened the meeting and said the application was returning for a second review following questions raised in December. Michael of Signorama, presenting on behalf of the applicant, walked members through updated renderings and responses to the committee’s December 19 questions, saying "the existing old awnings will be removed and replaced by new awnings, by new retractable awnings as shown in this rendering." He described three retractable awning sections, burgundy in color, mounted to the wall, and confirmed the previously observed lower-right black panel on the window had been removed so the storefront will have full glass panels.

On address numerals, Michael showed dimensional metal numerals reading "214" that were six inches tall with a brass finish and stud-mounted to the wall; he also confirmed there will be no hours or other lettering affixed to the windows and that sign wiring will be routed through the wall so no exterior conduit is visible. "There will be nothing affixed to the windows or doors, at this time," he said.

Elizabeth Garrity, the town’s deputy building inspector, urged improved contrast so emergency responders can readily see the numbers, asking whether the numerals could have a black background or be placed where they would not be obscured by the awning. "Is there a possibility that you could do a contrast like the black background... so it stands out more? It's just so the, emergency responders can readily see the numbers," Garrity said. Garrity later stated she had reviewed the signage and that it complied with the sign and illumination law: "I reviewed the signage and compliance with the sign and illumination law, and everything is compliant."

Michael said final visibility depends on installation but recommended painting the numerals black for stronger contrast or adding a black panel behind them as an aesthetic match to the sign; the tenant present said they were "totally okay" with the black panel for visibility and customers. The committee discussed placement alternatives and trade-offs with the awning’s position; members emphasized standard mounting heights and typical responder visibility patterns when deciding where numerals are placed.

After discussion, Duquesne moved to submit a positive recommendation with the minor update to the numerals; the motion was supported and the committee voted in favor, with Garrity and Duquesne recorded as saying "Aye." The chair said the committee would circulate the recommendation to the building inspector and expected to issue the positive recommendation by the end of the day. Members also encouraged the restaurateur to send a brief bio closer to opening so the town supervisor could promote the new restaurant to residents.

The committee’s action is a recommendation to the town’s approval process and does not itself constitute a final permit; staff follow-up will confirm final installation details and any required administrative approvals.