OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

New Rochelle Municipal Arts Commission Meeting - December 3, 2025

Meeting PortalWednesday, December 3, 2025
BodyNew Rochelle, New York
SessionMeeting Portal
DateWednesday, December 3, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
0:50

Good evening and welcome to the December 2025 meeting of the Municipal Arts Commission.

0:55

My name is Marissa Bowen.

0:56

I'm the chairperson.

0:57

Other board members here tonight are Fred Spinewitz, Nahandra Hernandez, Michael Morrero, and Jane Walls from the building department.

1:05

We have Joe Compliermo and from the Department of Development, we have Kevin Jimenez, who could call in our agenda.

1:11

Thank you, Marisa.

1:13

Tonight we have two, this should say adjourned.

1:16

We have two adjourned cases.

1:18

First case on the agenda is case 192025.

1:23

Application by Lloyd Silverman to install one awning at 138 North Avenue.

1:35

We'll do a second call.

1:37

Okay.

1:54

It's an insult.

1:56

Okay.

1:57

Okay.

1:58

So we will be proceeding to the administrative items.

2:02

The first item is an art proposal at 33 Westchester Place.

2:10

You could pull up a chair as well.

2:11

Okay.

2:12

Okay.

2:14

So my name didn't.

2:20

Okay.

2:21

Let me just go with screen.

2:29

Just introduce yourself and then you're just the art piece.

2:33

So my name is Rachel Spader.

2:36

I'm representing All State Ventures Developers.

2:39

And I'm here today to present our proposal for the art betterment program.

2:48

So our proposal is based on the city guidelines and the fees for three buildings.

3:18

So the cost of this art is about 250,000 plus additional cost for plans, lighting, etc.

3:27

And we're here, we we are in communications with the City of Eddie about this piece.

3:33

And we're here today to get the board blessing for this art.

3:39

So we can go ahead and finalize the plans and all the details required by the building department.

3:47

So Kate here, um yeah, I'm I'm happy to speak a little bit more to the artistic side.

3:53

My name is Kate Cox.

3:54

I work with IndieWalls, we're an art consultancy that's done three projects with Rachel and Allstate, and we're excited about the opportunity to do another one potentially here in New Rochelle.

4:05

Um when the city was giving guidance on potential placement for this sculpture and intent.

4:10

We thought that this artist picture here, Alex Proba would really fit the bill.

4:14

Her portfolio is very extensive in public art.

4:17

She's done both murals, other site activations, and exterior sculpture.

4:22

And as you can sort of see from the small image, her work is very colorful, expressive through form and pattern and color.

4:31

She really enjoys the the joy of art and activating the surrounding environment.

4:37

Also loves when both little kids or people of all ages are interacting with the art.

4:42

It's not precious or off limits in any way.

4:44

So we felt like she would be a really great fit for this space due to how much she prioritizes public engagement.

4:51

She is a New York-based artist, so she lives in New York for quite some time now, splits her time, but she understands the importance of locality and the surrounding community.

5:01

So hopefully you all will agree and we'll get your blessing.

5:06

Is this the sculpture?

5:08

Is this what you've chosen?

5:09

So you have the same.

5:10

This is yeah, I'm I'm happy to zoom in a little bit.

5:13

So I can speak to that a little bit further.

5:16

So this is just the initial rendering that we came up with again as the as a blessing.

5:21

This will be a custom commission, so this is the rough intent.

5:25

We will potentially customize it a little bit further if there are any preferences we want to adhere to or stay away from.

5:31

But this general fiberglass sculpture that you're seeing is is pretty much the intent here with the three different pieces, the fourth on the top, um, approximately eight to ten feet in height.

5:44

And if I can get a little bit more technical, she's very experienced with weather grading um for long-term exterior exposure.

5:52

So both the polyurethane paint she uses, the materiality of it, it's all treated for both UV exposure and the elements, hot summers, cold winters.

6:02

She's familiar with it all.

6:03

So we're very confident in her expertise in executing this for longevity for everyone to enjoy.

6:10

How are the four elements attached to one another?

6:13

They have interior steel ballasts, so they are comprised of fiberglass, but they're connected by steel to one another.

6:20

And then we'd also work with an engineer to make sure we're fortifying a concrete base for it as well.

6:26

So it's connected in a sound way.

6:35

That's from the art betterment program, I believe.

6:39

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

6:40

Yeah.

6:40

And does that include lighting and every detail of that installation?

6:45

So we're going as the we're going to add the lights.

6:49

That's not in the artist um scope of work, but it development.

6:54

It's gonna be lighted up from below, then some nice exterior lights to the enunciated.

7:02

Yeah, yeah.

7:03

And that's all considering that proposal.

7:06

That's all taken care of or not.

7:08

No, so the lighting is not including in here 250,000.

7:13

Well, the lighting since it's uh minor expense relatively to this um project, then we didn't get a specific proposal for it yet, but that's gonna be another couple thousand dollars.

7:29

Okay.

7:29

We'll we'll take it on us maximum, you know, like uh that's not something first.

7:36

We want to see if we're in the direction, and this is something that could work with um the art betterment program wheel, if that goes to what you you're meaning for, and then we can go ahead ahead and finalize all this small details and get the final um budget and everything.

7:58

But first, we need to know if this is what you were looking for, so we can go ahead and start working on it.

8:05

Exactly.

8:06

And once we have that blessing, if you will, we'll then develop more specific renderings of what the actual artwork will look like.

8:13

They'll be to scale, we'll contract an engineer, we'll develop the site plan.

8:17

So we'll get into that minutiae.

8:19

This is more of an initial pulse check to make sure we're on the right track that this is something that's amenable to everyone before we proceed any further with those details.

8:28

And that includes the colors, right?

8:29

Yeah, okay.

8:30

So Joe, they would have to come back once.

8:32

Yeah, right.

8:33

This is administratively, they just want a blessing to say that this is in the wheelhouse.

8:37

The financials will be reviewed later.

8:38

That's not the board's purview.

8:40

Um they just want to approve all the concept of something like this, and the artist so that they can move forward to the next step and actually commission the piece and get all those finer details.

8:51

Okay.

8:51

And to the color and the pattern end because this will be a custom commission.

8:54

If there's certain elements or hues we want to stay away from or gravitate towards, we can certainly take that into consideration.

9:01

And what about the height?

9:04

Yeah, that's something we'll flesh out as well.

9:05

So you would go a little higher?

9:07

Yes, definitely.

9:07

Okay, yeah.

9:08

Okay.

9:09

And children can interact with this.

9:11

Yes.

9:11

I think there was some or more samples in the core.

9:16

These are all kinds of.

9:20

Um, as you can see, she's she's done quite um a bit of exterior sculpture work before.

9:25

I think there's one more page.

9:26

And see, there's um especially the the one thing in the bottom.

9:34

It's definitely something where prioritizing play and engagement and touch.

9:39

So that's definitely all considered throughout the fabrication and commission process.

9:44

They say mentioned from the right in the little part.

9:46

How long has that been in place?

9:48

Wherever it is.

9:50

I believe that's been there over five years.

9:53

So and it's opening up okay in terms of color and durability.

9:57

Yeah, definitely.

10:00

That in addition to the polyurethane paint I mentioned, she uses a primer and a top coat to make sure that the cover is even and there's no cracking related to weather changes.

10:07

So it's really the most durable paint you can get for an exterior sculpture to make sure that it lasts for a long time and looks good for a long time.

10:15

We don't have a color scheme like this downtown.

10:18

So it's really nice.

10:25

Yeah, that little that little street down there.

10:28

Yeah, her work is very vibrant and fun.

10:31

I think it will be a good idea.

10:32

Is the color is the color integral or is it applied?

10:36

Yeah, I'm just asking because I always kept concerned about like vandalism.

10:39

Somebody comes and does graffiti on it.

10:41

Yeah, how would that be handled or could it be fixed easily?

10:44

You know, I would need to see it back to you on that.

10:45

I do believe it is applied, but I'm sure that's been taken into consideration before, so I can get you a more specific answer on that.

10:54

And should that arise, what the plan would be.

10:59

Okay.

11:00

Any other questions?

11:03

I like it.

11:03

I think it's great.

11:05

I think it's a good choice of artists.

11:07

So you are we can go ahead based on the fees for the street building.

11:12

Work with this.

11:15

Submit all that paperwork to Kevin and Jorge.

11:18

And they'll they'll approve the financing part of it, financial part of it, I think.

11:22

And then they'll come back with the final design to the board's final plus.

11:26

Okay.

11:26

The artificial plusing, I should say.

11:28

Yeah.

11:29

This is just the precursor.

11:31

Yeah.

11:32

Okay.

11:33

Thank you.

11:33

Well, thank you for your time here.

11:35

Okay, perfect.

11:36

So uh just by the financial in part, um, this is qualified for working with uh with this budget of that 236.

11:46

Obviously, we're going to sit and finalize and get into the details.

11:50

But we're gonna take now a couple of tens of thousands of dollars just in business doing engineering and planning and get uh building department all the details that they need, so that's uh where we are thank you so much.

12:03

Thank you.

12:05

She's worried.

12:07

That's gonna be so much fun.

12:08

That's in Miami, but the Miami, yeah, those are those are in malls.

12:11

Yeah, yeah, it's a that's in the design district, it's really cool.

12:15

She has a lot of work.

12:16

I think if uh it's in the folder, but I'll I can share.

12:20

Yeah.

12:21

Okay.

12:23

If this goes well, is it possible to put more of these in the downtown area?

12:27

So it's becomes a theme, like you could walk around and go see.

12:31

That's a good idea.

12:32

Because they're you know, to have one of these in Anderson Plaza, work it up.

12:36

Yeah, and there's some positive needs a little cover infrastructure.

12:41

Um so the next administrative item we have is um an art proposal at 11 High Garden.

12:48

Okay, I think they have a five.

12:51

This is really cool.

12:59

Do you have the other documents from the machine?

13:02

Is it the original?

13:11

Did they submit it?

13:12

Did you guys submit anything new since the last meeting?

13:14

Yeah, we write it those dimensions of the drawings, uh the current uh progress photos.

13:23

And uh the dimensions.

13:28

Well, if we had all that, we could put you on as a case and got your formal resolution.

13:33

Oh, I think that's uh I don't recall seeing it, so I don't know.

13:40

Yeah, we're gonna see.

13:46

So the one that I have here is this one.

13:52

Uh art proposal.

13:54

So this is the email I have city square.

13:57

We submitted it through the building on the portal and city square.

14:02

We don't get notifications of the uploads.

14:07

So that might have been the discovery.

14:11

Um we haven't had a chance to review.

14:13

Apparently, they submitted some stuff through the portal, but we haven't had a chance to follow them.

14:17

I think they they presented once before.

14:20

Not sure if everybody was here for that, but if you want to just run through it real quick, do you have like maybe an email or something?

14:26

You can forward it to us.

14:27

I can pull it up here, and then we can waste the you know, without a meeting.

14:33

It's not in any of this.

14:35

It's just the the document.

14:37

You know, there's no email, it's just a document, yeah.

14:47

They've made their selection, right?

14:49

Of the pieces.

14:50

Yeah, I believe so.

14:51

Yeah.

15:00

So uh I'm I'm the artist uh yeah, I'm representing the uh studio doing the piece, so I can go further into the piece and then we'll see how we we do actually have one of the installations finalized up in our gallery right now, so we do have pictures of that or share with you guys.

15:14

Yeah, the next one actually is um well on its way to being finished.

15:18

So in the process of doing doing the work, so you know, getting the permit to do all the work.

15:25

Um we're anticipating another maybe a a couple more months.

15:29

So it was the first the first window, kind of kept going through uh fine tuning the process and everything.

15:36

We're not the end of the world if you have to come back to the next meeting.

15:39

No, it's not, it's not.

15:41

So yeah, it's it we have some time to finish you know the rest of the pieces.

15:44

So uh yeah, so we have this one has been hanging for a few a few weeks now.

15:51

So it's been kind of nice having actually up in the gallery all lit up and everything, so it's cool.

15:56

That's very good.

15:58

We're super excited how it's underway.

16:08

Which one is garbage tree?

16:17

Uh yeah, that's the dimensions.

16:21

Do you have any photos of all?

16:22

Uh yes.

16:25

Uh it's not in this one, it's in the other attachment um it would be labeled rendering.

16:32

Oh, here we go.

16:36

Do you have the uh current picture of the seen this before?

16:41

I wasn't sure.

16:43

Just seeing one, now we know it's right.

16:45

And we we do have if we were able to bring it up, uh the current one that's up in the gallery.

16:49

So you can kind of see it, you know, real scale in real time.

16:53

Have you gotten any feedback from people passing by and well so well?

16:56

So it's it's our private scaler right now, so um it's not there yet.

17:00

It's not it's not hanging up.

17:04

We've made a uh we've made like a mock-up frame, um, you know, the same dimensions as the the bay windows, so we have it, you know, as it will be, you know, cutting systems.

17:14

So is each window a different color scheme?

17:17

Yeah, so we're kind of so here I can kind of scroll through here.

17:20

Um so here, you can kind of see it's generally a little too far out.

17:25

Generally kind of following like a change in season, like seasonal color scene.

17:30

Um so right now we we've completed our we're gonna call it our nighttime motif.

17:36

Um that's the one hanging up.

17:38

Um, and we're currently working on this one, kind of summertime.

17:42

Um so uh you know, they we have kind of roughly base it off of these.

17:50

I mean, we're we're you know adhering largely to what these um renderings are, but you know, through artistic uh, you know uh expression if you will, we've changed it up a little bit.

18:04

Um but adhering to this colors.

18:08

Um I have pictures on my phone.

18:13

Um did you have pictures of the one that we sent?

18:17

Oh okay, gotcha.

18:19

Well, I mean if the board has any questions, we'll get you back to the day work meeting.

18:22

Yeah, we'll get you on as a formal piece so we can get you present.

18:27

Yeah, yeah, you guys we've been here, yeah.

18:29

We've kind of you know presented.

18:31

So um I think so so it's just a matter of having the permit uh uh yeah the application, yeah, you know, just reviewing submitted.

18:39

Yeah, with the insurance, yeah.

18:41

Do I have a board?

18:43

I don't remember for this one.

18:45

I think that was part of the hang-up was uh yeah, we sent it um November 19th.

18:49

Okay.

18:50

Yeah, that was after the last meeting.

18:52

Yeah, we have to print it out, get all the signatures on and bring it to the to me in the building department.

18:58

Oh, I can print them out.

18:59

Yeah, we have all the completed executed forms on the portal.

19:03

I'll make sure.

19:04

Yeah, print them all out, bring them, you know, bring them down to the building department anytime between 830 and 230.

19:09

Okay, sounds good.

19:10

We'll be able to potentially mail it because we're on one.

19:13

I'm on the guy.

19:13

Okay.

19:14

You can mail it in.

19:15

I live five minutes down the road, so if need be, we can print things out.

19:20

I can bring them in too.

19:21

So whatever works.

19:24

Okay.

19:25

All right, yep.

19:27

Alright, hopefully, hopefully I'll be finalized.

19:29

Yeah, thank you guys.

19:32

Thank you.

19:38

It's nice to see all these pieces following.

19:40

Four sixties are everything.

19:43

Well, yeah.

19:44

It's up to you.

19:50

Okay, so yeah, we'll adventure.

19:52

Okay, so yeah, we have it.

19:56

Alright, so uh the third item on administrative is the artist certifications.

20:02

Chassity.

20:04

Yes.

20:07

I know you need one seat.

20:09

Do you mind if I make this one?

20:10

Sure.

20:11

Okay.

20:11

Just meet today, guys.

20:21

Good evening, everyone.

20:23

Good evening.

20:29

So I'm gonna give you two minutes.

20:31

I'll put two minutes and then just you just have the floor to kind of um introduce yourself and tell the board, you know, what you do, why did you apply as in for an artist certification?

20:42

Um that you might find pertinent.

20:46

Well, okay, good evening, everyone.

20:47

Uh my name is Chastity for Bone.

20:49

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to present myself and my business.

20:52

Um, my business is feel it healthy spots.

20:56

So basically, um, I have a nutrition club, everything's super healthy, high in protein, low in sugar, low in carbs, which is what we all are kind of looking for, right?

21:05

Um, there's something for everyone in my shop.

21:07

So from toddlers to breastfeeding moms to pregnancy to the elderly, we have something for everyone.

21:14

Um a couple years back, I wasn't as healthy as I am today.

21:18

So I did uh take the steps to better my health, and now we have a storefront, which I absolutely love what I do, which is the reason I am here today.

21:26

I'm super passionate.

21:28

I plan on expanding my business, my recipes, and the longevity of health to the computer community.

21:34

So that's why I'm here.

21:38

Absolutely.

21:38

Um I just go.

21:50

Can I just grab my phone to get the exact site?

21:52

Perfect.

22:28

Oh sorry, I think it went so long.

22:30

Let's give me one second.

22:46

This is my baby.

22:48

This is a little bit of what I have.

22:50

So on the top, you'll see fill-in healthy spot.

22:53

In the middle is our amazing protein shakes.

22:55

I have some energy drinks here.

22:58

A little lower.

22:59

This is also another kind of energy drink, a different flavor called Berilicious.

23:03

On the side, you can see a little bit of the macros on the computer.

23:05

You can see you can't really see it up there.

23:07

It says zero sugar, 20 calories, the amount of um caffeine, etc.

23:13

And then I'm going to so here.

23:18

So let's just type a laptop in a long time.

23:29

So, perfect example.

23:33

One of our best sellers, the waffle.

23:36

Double waffle, you can take a look at the macros.

23:39

So, for example, 311 calories, 34 grams of protein, 29 grams of carb, seven grams fat, five grams of sugar, three grams fiber.

23:47

So, like I said, we have a little bit of everything for everyone in our shop, no matter what journey you're on, whether it's maintaining, looking for you know, a quick meal to pick up while you're on lunch.

23:58

If you have, let's say it's two week and you can't eat something, we have something for you as well.

24:02

Um, kids that come in and want to get, for example, this shape right here, it's fun, it's exciting, it's the cookie monster.

24:08

You throw a little bit of color, some fun, and everyone feels included, right?

24:12

The kids, the adults, the the elderly, it doesn't matter who comes in, we have something for everyone.

24:19

Question for you.

24:20

Yeah, you're applying as for the artist certification.

24:24

Why do you want to be part of this program?

24:25

And how does your business or you as an artist talk about that?

24:29

Absolutely.

24:30

Um, so everything I do is legitimately um culinary art.

24:34

That is what I literally do all day at work.

24:38

Um, I think I fit perfect for this program.

24:40

I'm always finding more ways to expand.

24:43

How can I create better art into my meals, into my drinks?

24:48

Um, how can I make these calling for the community?

24:50

And I feel like with the art of everything that I do, that is what makes it so exciting.

24:56

Yes, these things are delicious and tasty and great for your health, but the art is really what calls everyone to the shop.

25:04

The art of the product you're creating or the art of your pet.

25:07

So the art of the product I'm creating.

25:09

So, for example, I can make a waffle at home.

25:11

It's not gonna be as pretty as I make it as the shop.

25:13

So the art around it, the amount of um drizzle, the amount of consistency you put, having no dairy whipped cream opposed to actual dairy whipped cream is a sort of art in its own.

25:25

Can you show us photos of the art creation culinary arts that you've created?

25:31

So realistically, the pictures that I have on my site are the photos that I have.

25:35

I don't have an exact folder to pull up and show you.

25:38

Can you click on them to enlarge them?

25:40

Of course, of course, absolutely.

25:41

Anything specific you want me to click?

25:43

What you consider what you want to represent?

25:47

That's your artistic creation.

25:50

Perfect example.

25:50

One of my favorites.

25:51

Yeah, I don't think okay, so perfect example.

25:54

This is a blackberry mojito.

25:55

And you think mojito, you think liquor.

25:57

This doesn't have any of that in it.

25:59

Um I think it's exciting because a couple of our favorite fruits, right, is marinated in here.

26:06

So the art of bringing healthy mocktails and tea.

26:10

These are basically teas.

26:12

So the art of just making it sound like a healthy soda is art in itself.

26:21

Does anybody have any questions for I think that's the other thing you asked in I it resonates, and that is how do you see this certification benefiting you as a business or whatever else you want to do in the community?

26:36

Well, realistically, I own a business in Urchell.

26:40

I don't live here.

26:40

I want to move to the city of New Rochelle and expand on my business.

26:44

I want to I want to become certified in what I do.

26:48

I take really a lot of pride in what I do.

26:52

Um I do want to expand.

26:55

And I want to be able to pass this down to other people, right?

26:59

So I think being part of this program will do wonders for me, wonders for my business.

27:04

Um yeah.

27:09

Okay.

27:11

Thank you.

27:13

Keller, can I close this?

27:14

Yeah, I think it's a good idea.

27:16

It's like okay.

27:18

Um, so uh we don't do the formal vote here, but I'll be in contact with you via email and I'll let you know what the determination was.

27:26

Sure, no problem, of course.

27:27

Thank you guys so much for your time.

27:28

This is amazing.

27:29

Thank you.

27:30

Thank you, thank you.

27:31

Come by whenever, guys.

27:32

Thank you.

27:33

Thank you.

27:37

Um so we're gonna do a second call for uh cases for tonight.

27:43

Um first case is 192025 application by Lloyd Silverman to install one awning at 138 North Avenue.

27:53

Uh second case 242025.

27:56

Application by Jose Felipe to install two signs and install lettering at 465 North Avenue.

28:18

Good evening.

28:19

I'm uh Jose Philippe, the owner of Neuro Show Farms, it's Mr.

28:22

Lee.

28:22

I'm still owner of Sign News.

28:27

Purpose of my of our presentation tonight is to um erect some new signage, keeping the same format.

28:34

Uh we're gonna rebrand the store and name it the key food.

28:37

We're gonna be part of the key food cooperative.

28:39

Um same logo, except it'll same dimensional logo, except it'll say key food inside of it.

28:45

Um as you can see the front of the store uh has you do you have does it matter, Sean?

28:52

What it is.

28:52

You can scroll through there.

28:54

I think it's in there.

28:54

Yeah.

28:55

Is this part of the key food for H it's part of the cooperative?

28:59

It's it's a cooperative.

29:04

So just to get a view of what it looks like now.

29:08

We've approved his original signs here.

29:11

So they're all going back to the same spot, but they are adding one.

29:15

Right.

29:17

Actually, two, right?

29:18

We're adding two.

29:19

One logo facing the church, right?

29:21

One channel letter set.

29:22

So we found that traffic going um south on North Avenue when they reach uh the church and the building prior to getting to the building, they really don't know what it is.

29:31

And so we'd like to add a small uh sign, logo there on the uh brick face, the stone face on that side.

29:39

So that's one addition.

29:41

The other edition on your right hand side is uh the key food name there, because when you're at the light and you're looking to your left, you don't see the front of the store, so you really can't see what it is.

29:52

It says uh foreign produce, but this way it gives you clear indication of what it is just to give the store a little more exposure and um name recognition that's that's visible, more visibility.

30:03

That's that's visible, more visibility.

30:06

Can you show us the front one, the front of where the circle is?

30:10

Yeah.

30:12

Do you want to hold it up the front to the entrance?

30:15

Oh, the front, okay.

30:16

That one.

30:17

That one.

30:21

You want to zoom in?

30:22

I think that little picture of the left is the existing.

30:28

There you go.

30:29

Okay.

30:30

Scroll in the floor.

30:32

Can you scroll up a little bit so we can see the top of the bit?

30:34

Yeah.

30:36

Okay.

30:37

Um does anybody have a to me, it looks a little crowded at the bottom.

30:47

Just like everything is pushed in at the bottom.

30:50

I don't I I don't have the solution.

30:52

I'm not a sign maker.

30:54

Um I but just to me, it just looks crowded at the bottom.

30:58

I don't know if if it to split it off, but just maybe making the letters a little smaller.

31:03

Well, the variance is what's the variance that you're playing for?

31:08

So the logo is 47 inches or 24 is allowed.

31:12

Uh they have to.

31:13

That's circles there already.

31:14

That's our that's already that size.

31:17

Or they are adding a new one on the side that matches that.

31:23

Um the other is for four signs where two is allowed.

31:27

And qubits of letter height of 29 inches were 24 or something.

31:31

So this is what you have, and it says nurse shell very small, and then it says farms.

31:35

Right.

31:35

Uh actually to your point, what we have now is squished now.

31:41

And if you see now, key food is very the the the word, the name key food is very visible as opposed to what we have uh right now.

31:48

Uh right now what's visible says farms.

31:50

Alright, so we're new to show farms, so you see that.

31:52

But now you're gonna say you're gonna see key food market.

31:55

I think it gives us more visibility now than it did before.

31:59

It does.

32:00

It does, it's just packed.

32:03

It's like it's edge to edge.

32:05

Well, the original is packed too.

32:07

So yeah, the original is sort of packed in there.

32:10

You see the word farms.

32:11

Um you really can't see near a shell, the word new shell until you get closer.

32:16

This now at key food gives you a lot of visibility from from further away.

32:21

And you can't move the circle up because of the trim.

32:23

Yeah, but then the other line there, horizontal.

32:27

No, all right, it's a don't have a solution.

32:29

Michael's trying to say that the size, the size of the letters for key food could be a little bit smaller.

32:36

And that would answer your question as well.

32:40

Yeah, yeah.

32:41

They're only slightly have the old plans, they're only slightly larger than the roll farms.

32:48

Yeah, all right, it's just me then.

32:50

Is that to scale?

32:51

Because that's obviously uh not another, you know, that's just a drawing.

32:55

Is it going to scale the way they're drawing?

32:57

Yes, it is.

32:59

All right, then it's just me.

33:01

Okay.

33:02

This is the only so there's a circle going on the other side by the church.

33:05

Correct.

33:09

And in the parking lot in the back, we also have the logo, same size, we're just also swapping that out to can we see the new circle uh close up if it's the scale?

33:19

The new circle on the side?

33:22

On the side by the church.

33:41

That one's actually smaller, according to the submission.

33:45

Yeah.

33:46

The one over the door is 47 inches, the one on the side is only 36.

33:50

Okay, yeah, because it has to be within the great.

33:52

Yeah, it has to stand on it.

33:53

Okay.

33:55

Okay.

34:06

Joe, we're voting these as a package.

34:08

Yes.

34:09

Okay.

34:09

Are we lighted?

34:11

Yes.

34:20

Any questions, concerns?

34:21

Can we zoom in on the on the lettering or whatever it's going to be on the church wall?

34:27

That's there.

34:28

Okay.

34:30

It's only a logo on the church.

34:31

Only the logo.

34:41

Bottom left.

34:42

That's one bottom there.

34:43

Yeah, maybe.

34:47

So if you can see right here right now.

34:49

Right there.

34:50

That looks nice.

34:57

So they've all got the same symmetry and the same inside.

35:00

It's the same circle, but the one in the front has some stuff inside it.

35:03

Right.

35:03

We didn't want to make it too busy because it is smaller.

35:05

We didn't want the word the main key food to get lost, and so we eliminated some of the graphics and some of the lineage inside and just kept it sort of plain key food.

35:13

This way it's it's very, very visible.

35:16

Otherwise, I think it'll lose its focus.

35:21

Can I see the front one again just to see the graphics that are on it?

35:27

Right.

35:31

And what about what about the image to the right to toward the right of this?

35:35

Yeah.

35:36

That one.

35:40

That's it.

35:41

So that's it.

35:42

You see that one doesn't look as crowded to me.

35:44

Well, I think that that was going over the the on this over the sides.

35:49

Right.

35:55

Because that space there is smaller.

35:58

What's currently there?

35:59

Is there anything there right now?

36:01

Can you show you?

36:04

That's residential that way.

36:05

Yeah, yeah.

36:06

That one over there.

36:07

It's just a circle.

36:09

Is that is that illuminated?

36:11

This is the one that's currently.

36:12

Yes.

36:12

Is this illuminated at all?

36:14

Yes, it is, yes.

36:15

You see, to me, in this in this elevation, it looks better without the key food.

36:20

It just going over the brick and doesn't, and if it's lighted, it shouldn't be.

36:24

I don't know if it's okay to light it with the uh residence residential area.

36:37

What are you proposing for this spot?

36:40

Can we see that one?

36:41

The change of the logo, correct?

36:43

This is just a little bit more than that.

36:44

And the addition of the padding keypad illuminated.

36:53

That also gives visibility from traffic coming from manor place as they approach the building, they can see clearly that it's a key food market.

37:07

I think it keeps within the character of what's there now and of newer shell.

37:12

And uh makes the name key food a little more visible than what neuroshow forums is right now.

37:19

Right.

37:20

The thing is that the graphically doesn't have the right perspective to the and that's what's causing the what's your what do you see?

37:26

What's your because the words are going over the front of the wall?

37:29

Okay.

37:29

We can certainly so that we can can we shrink that?

37:32

Yes.

37:33

Do you have stuck?

37:36

Do you have a front elevation of that, like a flat front elevation, not in perspective like you did with the other ones?

37:42

We have one.

37:44

I think so.

37:45

Because that doesn't depict the reality of the way that's going to be installed.

37:48

Should be the bottom right of the page.

37:55

That's the end of the page.

38:05

Oh.

38:06

It's just the marker that would be.

38:14

That that one looks re real, but we extended it onto the stone face just to give it just some more width and to be pronounced.

38:26

Well, that's see that's personally I don't like over the stone face.

38:29

Okay.

38:29

We could certainly leave the stone face exposed and then do it within the stucco.

38:33

We could we could keep that.

38:35

I think it would I would I think it would be a better cleaner.

38:39

Yeah.

38:39

Yeah, it's more uniform.

38:40

And that right now is a 47 inch, and if we reduce the size, then the proportion stays the same.

38:48

That answers the other earlier question about crowded.

38:54

So it's the height as well, the height and the width will be proportional.

38:57

Yeah, we'll fit it.

38:59

We'll still see it.

39:03

Now one well, a little bit of concern also is that when you're walking toward it, since that canopy since that canopy sticks out, the canopy might block it.

39:12

I don't know.

39:13

I don't know how far back you would have to stand.

39:16

To not to be able for it, it to not be blocked by the canopy.

39:20

Right.

39:20

It's not blocked now.

39:22

Now you could clearly see that the canopy doesn't block the letters uh at all.

39:27

Yeah, it's very clear.

39:29

Actually, if you're driving and then you're certainly lower.

39:32

It's very clear.

39:33

We haven't missed it yet.

39:35

Yeah.

39:37

Thank you.

39:38

Maybe it looks nicer inside.

39:39

Yeah, yeah.

39:41

Give me a couple of inches and I'm sure we all see it.

39:47

We thank you for that.

39:48

Yes.

39:49

Um, so we plan on reducing the one in the back so that it's within that it fits.

39:58

We'll shrink it in here.

40:00

Uh any other questions.

40:12

Motion to approve um on the condition that the entrance over the back door, the signage is reduced so that it falls within the stucco and not over the stonewall.

40:25

Okay.

40:25

Okay, is there a second?

40:28

Second.

40:28

All in favor?

40:32

Thank you so much for your time.

40:37

Thank you so much, I haven't meeting and hope to see.

40:42

Thank you.

40:46

Back to work now.

40:47

Yeah.

40:49

So that's it, right?

40:50

Yeah.

40:52

Okay, that's all.

40:53

All right, is there a motion to adjourn?

40:55

Motion to adjourn.

40:56

Second.

40:56

Thank you.

40:57

All in favor?

41:00

Meeting is adjourned.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Arts And Culture█████████████████████████████████████████████49%
Zoning And Land Use████████████████████████████30%
Procedural████████9%
Public Health██████6%
Public Engagement██████6%
Summary of Proceedings

New Rochelle Municipal Arts Commission Meeting - December 3, 2025

The Municipal Arts Commission of New Rochelle met on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting covered administrative items including two art proposals and an artist certification application, and concluded with a vote on a signage application for a grocery store rebranding.

Consent Calendar

  • Two adjourned cases (19-2025 and 24-2025) were called for a second time but no applicants responded, so the board moved to administrative items without action on those cases.

Discussion Items

  • Art Proposal at 33 Westchester Place: Rachel Spader (All State Ventures) and Kate Cox (IndieWalls) presented a proposal for a fiberglass sculpture by New York-based artist Alex Proba, intended for the city's art betterment program. The sculpture would consist of four colorful elements, 8-10 feet tall, connected by steel ballasts on a concrete base, with lighting to be added separately. The estimated cost is $250,000 plus additional expenses for plans and lighting. The board gave an initial "blessing" to proceed with developing detailed renderings, engineering, and site planning, with final design approval required later. Financial review will be handled separately by city staff.
  • Art Proposal at 11 High Garden: An artist (representing their studio) presented progress on a multi-window art installation featuring seasonal color schemes. One piece is already installed in a private gallery as a mock-up. The board noted that the formal application had been submitted but not fully reviewed; they advised the applicant to bring completed, signed forms to the building department. No formal vote was taken; the applicant is expected to return for final approval.
  • Artist Certifications: Chastity for Bone, owner of Feel It Healthy Spots, a nutrition club, applied for artist certification. She described her work as culinary art, emphasizing the artistic presentation of healthy drinks and foods. She seeks certification to expand her business and contribute to the community. The chair stated she would be contacted via email with the board's determination; no formal vote was taken.

Key Outcomes

  • Case 24-2025 – Key Food Signage at 465 North Ave. (Jose Felipe): The board approved a motion to allow rebranding of New Ro Show Farms to Key Food (a cooperative), including replacement of existing illuminated signs and addition of two new illuminated signs: one on the side facing the church (36-inch logo) and one at the rear parking lot. The approval was conditioned on reducing the rear sign size so that it fits entirely within the stucco surface and does not extend over the stone wall. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously.
  • No actions taken on adjourned cases (19-2025 and 24-2025) due to applicant absence.
  • Meeting adjourned following the vote.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening and welcome to the December 2025 meeting of the Municipal Arts Commission. My name is Marissa Bowen. I'm the chairperson. Other board members here tonight are Fred Spinewitz, Nahandra Hernandez, Michael Morrero, and Jane Walls from the building department. We have Joe Compliermo and from the Department of Development, we have Kevin Jimenez, who could call in our agenda. Thank you, Marisa. Tonight we have two, this should say adjourned. We have two adjourned cases. First case on the agenda is case 192025. Application by Lloyd Silverman to install one awning at 138 North Avenue. We'll do a second call. Okay. It's an insult. Okay. Okay. So we will be proceeding to the administrative items. The first item is an art proposal at 33 Westchester Place. You could pull up a chair as well. Okay. Okay. So my name didn't. Okay. Let me just go with screen. Just introduce yourself and then you're just the art piece. So my name is Rachel Spader. I'm representing All State Ventures Developers. And I'm here today to present our proposal for the art betterment program. So our proposal is based on the city guidelines and the fees for three buildings. So the cost of this art is about 250,000 plus additional cost for plans, lighting, etc. And we're here, we we are in communications with the City of Eddie about this piece. And we're here today to get the board blessing for this art. So we can go ahead and finalize the plans and all the details required by the building department. So Kate here, um yeah, I'm I'm happy to speak a little bit more to the artistic side. My name is Kate Cox. I work with IndieWalls, we're an art consultancy that's done three projects with Rachel and Allstate, and we're excited about the opportunity to do another one potentially here in New Rochelle. Um when the city was giving guidance on potential placement for this sculpture and intent. We thought that this artist picture here, Alex Proba would really fit the bill. Her portfolio is very extensive in public art. She's done both murals, other site activations, and exterior sculpture. And as you can sort of see from the small image, her work is very colorful, expressive through form and pattern and color. She really enjoys the the joy of art and activating the surrounding environment. Also loves when both little kids or people of all ages are interacting with the art. It's not precious or off limits in any way. So we felt like she would be a really great fit for this space due to how much she prioritizes public engagement. She is a New York-based artist, so she lives in New York for quite some time now, splits her time, but she understands the importance of locality and the surrounding community. So hopefully you all will agree and we'll get your blessing. Is this the sculpture? Is this what you've chosen? So you have the same. This is yeah, I'm I'm happy to zoom in a little bit.

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