Peekskill Historic Preservation Board Meeting – May 28, 2026

The board convened on May 28, 2026, at 12:30 PM to consider several sign applications and a major facade repair project. The meeting included unanimous approvals for two signage proposals, a conditional approval for a large apartment complex restoration, and a continued discussion for a bank’s signage package after concerns were raised about unauthorized installations and design compatibility.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from April 23, 2026 meeting – Approved unanimously without discussion.

Discussion Items

• 9390 South Street – Aruma Coffee and Dessert (Applicant: Sign Zinc, Esteban)

  • Proposed black PVC letters (1-inch thick, pin-mounted with standoffs) totaling 24 square feet (31 in. tall × 109.75 in. wide).
  • Indirect lighting via existing goose-neck fixtures; staff recommended approval with a condition to clean the facade before installation.
  • Board approved unanimously.

• 15 North Division Street – Ramanesque (Applicant: Mark Dietrich, Peaksco Rocks)

  • Proposed a custom sign using 3D-printed ABS plastic letters mounted on a black board that would sit within a facade panel, allowing the letters to float over the molding.
  • Applicant explained that the board would be spaced about 1 inch off the facade to clear a 1.5-inch trim; the alternative of pin-mounting each letter would require excessive projection.
  • Board members discussed the design, noting the unique logo and the challenge of matching the weathered black facade. They accepted the solution as presented.
  • Motion to approve as described; seconded; all in favor.

• 920 South Street – Wells Fargo (Applicant: Jim, MRC Signs)

  • Proposed a comprehensive signage package: halo-lit channel letters on the front facade (21 in. tall, 33 sq ft), a rear sign (16 in. tall, with raceway), directional signs (white panels on single posts), ATM window vinyl, and clearance bars.
  • Board members raised several concerns:
    • The stark white color of the directional signs was deemed inappropriate for the historic district and could set a negative precedent.
    • The rear sign should be facade-mounted without a raceway and non-illuminated (the existing sign is not lit).
    • Window vinyl and ATM graphics had already been installed without prior approval, which the board criticized. The applicant acknowledged this but noted the vinyl was done by a different vendor.
  • Board decided not to vote on the package; instead, they asked the applicant to revise: keep the front sign as proposed, change the rear sign to non-lit, facade-mounted, and redesign the directional signs to be less obtrusive (e.g., match existing colors). The application was left open for revisions.
  • No formal motion was made; the board directed the applicant to submit a revised plan.

• 901-907 Main Street – Peaksco Plaza Apartments Facade and Roofing Repairs (Applicant: Kasia Burnska, Walker Consultants)

  • Presented a project to address structural distress, falling debris, and water infiltration at the 1970s affordable senior housing complex (168 units).
  • Scope includes: brick replacement and repointing, installation of stainless steel helical ties to stabilize walls, parapet rebuilding (with a slight height increase of 1–2 bricks to meet energy code), partial roof replacement, and localized plaza repairs.
  • The board focused on the need for new brick to match the existing 1970s brick. The applicant brought a sample of attic stock brick, but the board wanted to see the actual production brick chosen by the contractor.
  • A condition was set: a mock-up of the new brick and mortar must be installed on site and approved by the board before any work proceeds. The Certificate of Appropriateness (C of A) will be issued only after a satisfactory site visit.
  • Motion to conditionally approve the project based on the mock-up approval; seconded; all in favor.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Certificate of Appropriateness for 9390 South Street (Aruma Coffee and Dessert) – unanimous.
• Approved: Certificate of Appropriateness for 15 North Division Street (Ramanesque) – unanimous.
• Tabled/Continued: Application for 920 South Street (Wells Fargo) – board requested revisions to directional signs, rear sign design, and proof of prior approvals for installed graphics.
• Conditionally Approved: Facade and roofing repairs for 901-907 Main Street (Peaksco Plaza Apartments) – approval contingent on a board-approved on-site brick mock-up.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for June 25, 2026.