City Makes Move Against Marquee Sign

The Department of Buildings is stepping up efforts to remove an illegal marquee being used by the Duane Reade at 125 E. 86th St. and Lexington Avenue. City regulations only allow marquees for theaters, churches or religious groups and department stores, according to Ryan Fitzgibbon, a department spokesperson. Duane Reade does not fit into any of those categories, and the city revoked its permit for the sign in June 2009. But the drug store has not responded, and so now the department will issue a commissioner"s order to take down the marquee, which was left over from a movie theater that previously occupied the property. After the order is issued, the department may take additional steps's including fines's to bring the sign into compliance, depending on Duane Reade"s response, Fitzgibbon said. A spokesperson for Duane Reade did not respond to a request for comment by press time. The marquee, and other area signs that don"t comply with city rules, was discussed at Community Board 8"s zoning and development committee March 25. Committee member Elaine Walsh said there were also problems with nearby signs at PC Richards, Staples and a Subway sandwich shop. With community members drawing attention to the issue, the city is starting to take action. â??The department is currently reviewing whether these signs comply with the parameters of permits issued, Fitzgibbons said in a statement. â??Based on what the department finds, these permits may be subject to revocation and the owner will be required to bring the property into compliance.