Board approves three-part sign variance for 547 River Street after debate over lighting

The planning board approved a three‑part sign variance for 547 River Street after a protracted discussion about lighting, design precedent and nighttime visibility.

The project's presenter described revisions made since the last hearing — removing an animated/action element of the logo, redesigning the sign as a halo‑lit feature and reducing letter size so the proposed wall sign falls under approximately 64 square feet. A representative of the building ownership, Nate Petty, and bank representatives said they had coordinated with a historic review board and sought a halo lighting treatment rather than a brightly backlit sign.

Tom Singer of Pioneer Bank, a project tenant, emphasized the bank’s long history in Troy and the practical need for nighttime identification, noting the bank plans an interactive teller machine (ITM) with evening hours. "We're founded in Troy. We've been here for 137 years," Singer said, asking the board to consider the investment and the need for visibility. Philip Walsh, identified as vice president of facilities for the bank, added that a similar halo‑lit sign was approved in a nearby municipality and remains in use.

Board members voiced concerns that lighting could set a precedent and change the city’s historic streetscape; some said they disliked lit signs; others described the proposed halo effect as subtle compared with other illuminated displays. The board voted to approve an additional sign, the larger individual wall sign (65 square feet), and the vertical height relief (proposed 46 inches vs. the 24‑inch limit). One board member recorded a no vote on the size variance; the size and height variances nevertheless carried.

The approvals were conditioned on the revised design shown at the hearing (halo effect, removed animated element) and the applicant was thanked for incorporating board suggestions. The board adjourned after completing the agenda.