New Rochelle Municipal Arts Commission Meeting – February 4, 2026

The New Rochelle Municipal Arts Commission met on February 4, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Chairperson Marissa Bowen presided over the meeting with members Fred Spinowitz, Jane Walls, and Michael Moreira present. Staff from the Building Department and Department of Development were also in attendance. The commission reviewed multiple sign and awning applications and one artist certification request.

Consent Calendar

• Case 19-2025 (Lloyd Silverman) – Application for one awning at 138 North Avenue. This item was from a previous cycle and was approved as part of a larger project.
• Case 1-2026 (Nicola Doyle) – Application for an illuminated channel letter sign at 20 East Main Street. The commission conducted a second call on this item; no vote was recorded in the transcript.
• Case 2-2026 (Jal Ferguson) – Application for installation of glass structures and street level windows as part of a private arts better at 11 Garbage. The applicant reported that two of the five structures were finished and requested approval to install all five together. The motion to approve passed unanimously.
• Case 3-2026 (Lewis Nava) – Application for a front and back illuminated channel letter sign at 583 Main Street. The sign exceeded legal size by 6 inches in height and 4 inches cumulative area, but the board noted the sign was smaller than the existing one and similar to nearby signs. Approved unanimously.
• Case 4-2026 (Lewis Nava) – Application for one awning at 363 North Avenue. The board noted that the owner had an unpermitted roll-down gate that must be resolved before installation. The awning itself was compliant. Approved unanimously.
• Case 5-2026 (Lewis Nava) – Application for two signs at 16 Division Street. The applicant sought legalization of two signs for a business with two entrances. The board discussed the need for both signs and the adequacy of size. Approved unanimously.
• Case 7-2026 (James Wang) – Application for three signs (including a projecting blade sign) at 64 Center Avenue. The board found the design cohesive and beneficial for visibility. Approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Case 6-2026 (Bayesian Chowdery for Total Wireless at 519B Main Street) – Application for two new flat panel signs and two new awnings. The applicant sought to replace an awning destroyed in a storm and install new awnings in the franchise’s red color. Board members expressed concern that the red awning would overwhelm the storefront and detract from the sign. Alternatives suggested included black, teal, or no awning, or a smaller box awning. The applicant argued the awning serves functional and branding purposes. After lengthy discussion, the board indicated a vote would likely fail. The applicant agreed to table the awning request and proceed with the signs only, with the option to return with revised awning designs. The signs were approved separately.

Administrative Items

• Artist Certification – Robert Gomez – Mr. Gomez presented his portfolio as a painter and decorative artisan with 12 years of experience. He described his work as creating unique painted surfaces and plaster finishes for residential and commercial projects. The board took no vote; they will review his portfolio further and follow up.

Public Comments & Testimony

• After the meeting, the owner of Gerald Art (applicant for case 4-2026) asked about a violation for an unpermitted roll-down gate at 363 North Avenue. The board directed him to speak with the building inspector after the meeting, as the matter is outside the commission’s jurisdiction.

Key Outcomes

• Approved applications: Cases 19-2025, 2-2026, 3-2026, 4-2026, 5-2026, and 7-2026 were approved unanimously. Case 1-2026 was called but no vote recorded.
• Tabled: Case 6-2026 (awning portion) was tabled; the applicant will proceed with signs and may return with revised awning proposals.
• Artist certification: No decision; further review pending.
• Next steps: Permits to be issued for approved items; applicant for case 6 to contact building department for sign permit.

Note: The agenda and minutes were not available; the summary is based solely on the transcript.