Board approves after-the-fact window lettering at 130 Remsen Street

The Cohoes Historic Preservation and Architectural Review Board on Jan. 20 approved after-the-fact window lettering at 130 Remsen Street, where applicant Carl Godfrey said he recently leased second-floor office space and replaced a former State Farm strip with white lettering that reads "Remodel Now."

"Sharon I'm telling on myself," Godfrey told the board, saying he had the installer remove the previous sign and put up the new lettering and then contacted Sharon Butler in Building & Planning to confirm the need for board approval. Chair Daniele Cherniak confirmed the lettering represented a change from the prior occupant and asked whether any other alterations had been made; Godfrey said they had only painted and changed carpeting when they moved in and that the white lettering was the sole exterior change needing review.

Board members voiced no objections. Member Tony Kusaywa moved to approve the application and Member John Frainier seconded; the motion carried unanimously. The board's approval was narrowly focused on the existing lettering as presented; the applicant was reminded that any future signage or exterior alterations would require separate review and, if applicable, a return appearance before the board.

The board did not reference any specific local ordinance by name during the discussion. The decision closes the board's review of the window lettering as presented; any subsequent signage or exterior changes at 130 Remsen St. will require formal submittal and board review.