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ZBA approves larger lettering and a rear identifier for Jonard Tools, denies larger logo
Summary
The Greenburgh Zoning Board of Appeals approved a 25% increase to the front wordmark lettering and a second rear wall sign in compliance with code for Jonard Tools (case 2611), but denied the applicant's request for a larger circular/logo element; the board cited the site's setback and trucker wayfinding needs while noting precedent concerns.
The Greenburgh Zoning Board of Appeals on Tuesday granted Jonard Tools a partial set of sign variances for its distribution facility at 75 Clearbrook, approving larger front lettering and a rear wall sign but denying the requested larger circular logo.
Applicant representatives — Michael Lang of Signorama and owner Rich Gershberg — told the board that the facility sits set back roughly 200 yards from the public road and that nonretail operations and frequent delivery trucks require clearer identification. Mr. Lang presented revised drawings that removed an illuminated logo and reduced the proposed circular logo from approximately 78 inches to 66 inches in diameter; he proposed 36‑inch letters originally and then offered reduced options during the hearing. Architect Peter Guedo said the split treatment (logo on a corner, letters elsewhere) was chosen for aesthetic balance on the long, 31‑foot‑high building.
Board members questioned whether the design counted as two or three signs and whether consolidating the logo with the wordmark on a single face could reduce the need for variances. Several members emphasized the town’s need to apply the sign code evenly and warned against setting a precedent that would proliferate oversized signs in the Clearbrook business park. Others noted the applicant had made changes since the prior hearing and that the building department might be able to provide directional signage at the park entrances to address wayfinding for truck drivers.
After deliberation the board approved a compromise: raise permitted front lettering from 24 inches to 30 inches (a 25% increase) and allow a second rear wall sign that complies with the zoning code; the board denied the requested larger circular logo size that would have exceeded the as‑of‑right 48‑inch logo allowance. The motion included standard conditions requiring the applicant to obtain all necessary approvals, file them with the building department and begin construction within 12 months of the last required approval. The board’s written findings note the property’s unusual setback from the main road as one factor supporting limited relief.
Some members voiced concern about precedent and said any long‑term solution might be better addressed by off‑site directional signage at the complex entry controlled by the landlord. The board directed staff to follow up with the building‑department contact and the complex owner about directional signage options. The findings will be placed on the town website.
The board closed the hearing after announcing its decision and reading the findings into the record.
