Business & Tech

Chamber, Civic Association Team Up to Address Sign Issue

Joint committee presents inaugural signage awards to two local businesses.

Among the many small businesses in town, School House Offices has one of the most attractive signs representing the character of the community, according to a joint committee formed by civic leaders and business advocates.

On Wednesday, the Civic Association of the Setaukets and Stony Brook together with the Three Village Chamber of Commerce presented an award to a representative of School House Offices in an effort to promote effective yet aesthetically pleasing business signage in town.

In a category for large businesses, Apple Bank was also recognized for having such a sign on the ground outside its building.

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The signage awards were launched by the Civic Association and the Chamber of Commerce to encourage businesses to erect signs in keeping with what is perceived as the historic, sophisticated character of the Three Village area.

Bob de Zafra, archivist for the civic association, said while the Town of Brookhaven already has regulations for business signage, the two organizations aren't specifically trying to push the legalities of signage.

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"We know that signs cost a lot of money," he said. "You want to get the most for your money."

Former civic association president Kara Hahn, who was recently elected to the Suffolk County Legislature, suggested that fundraising should be done to provide grants to businesses that want to improve their signage.

The goal of the awards is to "change some of the habits in the way people use signage," chamber board member Charlie Lefkowitz said. "We believe this will help Three Village."

As for School House Offices the sign was specifically designed to blend with the character and construction of the building, according to Deborah Ongania, vice president of Soundview Realty, which used to own the building.

"Back then, you didn't have all the avenues for advertising your business," Ongania said. "Then, signage was huge, and it needs to be again."


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