SCHENECTADY – The City Planning Commission is about to review a proposal to install a pair of signs near the entrance to Mohawk Harbor, even as pieces of the development fall into place.
Maxon Alco Holdings, a subsidiary of the Galesi Group, is on the Aug. 16 meeting agenda after submitting an application to install a pylon-style sign measuring 32 feet tall with an electronic message board at the intersection of Erie Boulevard and Mohawk Harbor Way. The proposal is separate from Rivers Casino & Resort’s pylon sign proposal from early 2016.
In addition to the double-sided LED display showing information about the tenants in the mixed-use waterfront development, a separate silver-and-gray monument sign — standing 10 feet tall — would simply say “Mohawk Harbor,” said David Buicko, CEO of the Galesi Group.
“We always planned on this. My anticipation is this should not be controversial,” Buicko said. “This is not something that’s going to be a huge sign by any stretch of the imagination.”
The signs will be set back from the intersection, so as to not impede traffic on Erie Boulevard, according to the application. In addition, the LED sign is designed to produce no noise, according to the application.
In early 2016, the casino submitted, received approval for and eventually withdrew plans for a digital pylon sign standing 80 feet tall and 32 feet wide. That concept sparked concerns among residents who worried the towering structure would cause light pollution in surrounding neighborhoods.
Comparing the two new signs to the previously proposed sign is “apples and oranges,” Buicko said. If the Mohawk Harbor sign receives planning commission approval, it will be installed as soon as it’s manufactured, Buicko said.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Mohawk Harbor development is rounding into form. The Courtyard by Marriott and Rivers Casino have been open for several months. The Landing Hotel opened at the end of July, adjacent to the casino. And, residents began moving in this past weekend at the River House apartments.
Boat slips are being placed in the harbor this week, and an amphitheater will be built soon, as well. Townhouses and retail and office space are on schedule to be complete in the coming months.
Categories: -News-, Schenectady County
