Historic & Landmarks Preservation Board Meeting - July 23, 2026

The Historic & Landmarks Preservation Board met on July 23, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in the Common Council Chamber. The board considered three applications: two signage requests (922 Main Street and 900 Main Street) and one facade restoration at 13 S. Division Street. The meeting was adjourned with the next meeting scheduled for August 27, 2026.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the draft minutes from the June 25, 2026, meeting. Motion approved by voice vote (all in favor).

Discussion Items

• Signage Application – 922 Main Street (Peekskill Immigration Attorney): Applicant Esteban Baquero (Signs Ink, representing Segreto Law Offices PC) proposed a hanging sign (18”x24”, carved PVC, gold/black) and window lettering (gold vinyl with black drop shadow, 10% coverage per window, 2.3 sq ft each). The board expressed concern about the script font (“attorney”) being difficult to read and out of character with the classic downtown aesthetic. The applicant agreed to revise the font to match the clean font used for “Peekskill Immigration” for both the hanging sign and window lettering, and to email the updated design without needing to reappear. No signage on the facade was planned due to budget, but the applicant acknowledged future facade signage would require a new application.
• Signage Application – 900 Main Street (Dramatic Hall): Applicant Signs Ink (on behalf of owner Gabriel Arango) proposed replacing the existing “Peekskill Central Market” corner pylon sign (27 sq ft) with a new “Dramatic Hall” sign (24 sq ft, aluminum, stencil-cut face, internally illuminated with 3000K soft white LED, mounted on existing brackets). All existing building signage (including “Dramatic Hall” above entrance, “circa 1838”, and other signs) would be refurbished and repainted to match the new color palette (black with gold/white lettering). The applicant agreed to also update the Dramatic Hall sign on the Nelson Avenue side and address unauthorized window signage in the restaurant tenant’s windows (encouraged to bring into compliance). A typo (“vendors” with an “e” instead of “o”) was noted for correction.
• Facade Application – 13 S. Division Street (Fern Tree): Applicant LaFern Joseph and designer Richard Villaberra proposed restoration: repaint upper facade (brick, cornice, windowsills), remove failing black back-painted glass and acrylic panels, replace with painted MDO panels, and repair rotting wood and failing trim. The existing “Fern Tree” sign would be cleaned and remounted using new unistrut brackets. The board strongly encouraged exposing the original brick (instead of repainting) and considering a mural on the brick (possibly featuring Harriet Tubman) to celebrate the business’s 32-year history, reduce long-term maintenance, and align with historic guidelines. The applicant expressed budget constraints but agreed to explore the alternative. The board tabled the application to the August 27, 2026, meeting for a revised proposal (materials due by August 20). No additional fee required for the revision.

Key Outcomes

• 922 Main Street: Certificate of Appropriateness approved unanimously with condition that the applicant revises the script font to match the clean font on both the hanging sign and window lettering (design to be emailed to staff).
• 900 Main Street: Certificate of Appropriateness approved unanimously with conditions:
  • Updated drawings reflecting all building signage (including Nelson Avenue side) and repainted color palette must be submitted.
  • Encouraged tenant window signage be brought into compliance.
  • Typo “vendors” corrected to “vendors” in final drawings.
• 13 S. Division Street: Application tabled to August 27, 2026, meeting. Board requested a revised proposal exploring exposing the original brick (no paint/sealant on brick) and possibly a mural, with consideration of budget. Applicant may return with an amendment without a new fee. The project timeline remains open pending discovery after removal of panels.