New Rochelle Municipal Arts Commission Meeting - May 6, 2026

The Municipal Arts Commission of the City of New Rochelle met on May 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The meeting was chaired by Jane Wals, with commissioners Michael Morero, Linda Key, and Fred Spinowitz present, along with representatives Joe Gugliamo from the Department of Buildings and Kevin Imenz from the Department of Development. The commission reviewed three sign-related applications and addressed an artist certification item.

Discussion Items

Adjourned Case: 2-2026 – Nicola Doyle – Illuminated Chattel Channel Letter Sign at 20 East Main Street

• Applicant Nicola Doyle sought approval for a cannabis dispensary sign for "Cushy" with a large "Cushy" word (47-inch letters) and a smaller "Cannabis Dispensary" (15-inch letters). The permitted letter height is 16 inches, so the main word required a variance (roughly triple the permitted size).
• Doyle argued the sign is consistent with the car dealership district, showing photos of nearby large signs (Honda, Dodge, Staples). She noted the sign is in compliance with the Office of Cannabis Management and that her architect deemed the size appropriate for the building's scale.
• Commissioners expressed concern about the size but complimented the typeface and colors. They suggested reducing the "Cushy" letter height by a quarter or half (e.g., to 3 feet or 2 feet) and possibly adjusting the smaller text to maintain proportion. Doyle agreed to submit revised design options (quarter and half reductions) via email within two weeks for the next meeting.

New Case: 11-2026 – Robert Young (Tennis Innovators Academy) – Two Wall Signs at 55 Quaker Ridge Road

• Applicant Connor Young (representing the sign company) presented two signs: one small entrance sign (compliant) and a larger illuminated wall sign facing Quaker Ridge Road, with 30-inch top letters and 11-inch bottom letters. The sign is individually mounted on the wall.
• Commissioners noted the neighboring residential area behind trees and the presence of other bright signs (Chipotle, shopping center). They inquired about illumination hours. Young stated business hours are approximately 7 AM to 11 PM.
• The commission discussed requiring a timer to control illumination, preferring timers over sensors. They stipulated the sign be illuminated only during business hours (7 AM to 11 PM).
• A motion to approve the sign with the condition of illumination on from 7 AM to 11 PM was made, seconded, and passed unanimously by those present.

New Case: 12-2026 – Deborah Music – Awning at 342 North Avenue

• Applicant presented a request to recover an existing awning frame with new black fabric for a new owner and business name. The previous awning was blue. A street view showed the adjacent Fenway business also uses black awnings, making the proposed change cohesive.
• The commission found the awning acceptable. A motion to approve was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.

Artist Certification

• An item for artist certification under administrative items was on the agenda, but the applicant was not present. The commission moved on. Commissioner Morero inquired about the process for artists to apply, and was informed that an application form is available online. No action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Case 2-2026 (Nicola Doyle): Continued to the next meeting. Applicant to submit revised sign designs with reduced letter sizes (quarter or half reduction) within two weeks.
• Case 11-2026 (Robert Young/Tennis Innovators Academy): Approved with condition that illumination be limited to 7 AM to 11 PM via a timer. Motion passed unanimously.
• Case 12-2026 (Deborah Music): Approved. Motion passed unanimously.
• Artist Certification: No applicant present; no action taken.