Iconic City Island sign comes down temporarily after complaint

<p>An iconic City Island restaurant sign was taken down over the weekend, causing an uproar in the community.</p>

News 12 Staff

Sep 17, 2018, 9:35 PM

Updated 2,039 days ago

Share:

An iconic City Island restaurant sign was taken down over the weekend, causing an uproar in the community.
A sign for The Black Whale came down Saturday morning, but was put back just hours later after the community rallied for something to be done.
The sign's removal came after a complaint was filed with the Department of Buildings. The DOB says commercial signs over 6 feet must have a permit. The Black Whale sign is 14 feet by 16 inches and was installed without a permit.
This complaint is one of many filed with the DOB that the community is calling "petty infractions" unfairly targeting home and business owners.
Area residents credited Councilman Mark Gjonaj for getting the sign back up and being in touch with the mayor's office to do something about what they call outdated signage laws.
The DOB says the violation is still open and in order for it to be resolved the landlord must either remove the illegal sign or obtain the necessary permit.
The Black Whale has been a staple in the area since 1961.


More from News 12
1:48
Dreary and gusty with cool temperatures for NYC; tracking rain for Friday night

Dreary and gusty with cool temperatures for NYC; tracking rain for Friday night

0:28
NYPD identifies 19-year-old fatally stabbed after parking dispute in Morris Heights

NYPD identifies 19-year-old fatally stabbed after parking dispute in Morris Heights

1:14
Thunderbolt 12: Bronx River Parkway undergoes construction; prepare for traffic delays

Thunderbolt 12: Bronx River Parkway undergoes construction; prepare for traffic delays

1:53
Bronx man hard at work to fight off catalytic converter thieves

Bronx man hard at work to fight off catalytic converter thieves

0:26
NYPD: Man wanted for breaking into Bronx building twice in 10 days

NYPD: Man wanted for breaking into Bronx building twice in 10 days

0:24
Police: Man steals 77-year-old's wallet at Chase Bank in Kingsbridge

Police: Man steals 77-year-old's wallet at Chase Bank in Kingsbridge

0:23
Spring Arrival: Hummingbirds heading to New York

Spring Arrival: Hummingbirds heading to New York

2:19
Denim takes over Bronx Borough Hall for day dedicated to raising sexual assault awareness

Denim takes over Bronx Borough Hall for day dedicated to raising sexual assault awareness

1:34
NYPD says new campaign has lowered crime citywide; some New Yorkers don’t buy it

NYPD says new campaign has lowered crime citywide; some New Yorkers don’t buy it

2:09
Federal civil rights complaint filed against NYC Public Schools Athletic League

Federal civil rights complaint filed against NYC Public Schools Athletic League

2:10
NYS Federation of Taxi Drivers offer $5,000 reward after string of carjackings and robberies

NYS Federation of Taxi Drivers offer $5,000 reward after string of carjackings and robberies

2:13
Police: 34-year-old motorcycle driver dies in crash with SUV, parked car

Police: 34-year-old motorcycle driver dies in crash with SUV, parked car

2:21
Bronx advocates closer than ever to opening birthing center

Bronx advocates closer than ever to opening birthing center

1:51
NYC charter school system serving school lunches made from scratch

NYC charter school system serving school lunches made from scratch

2:39
Man fatally shot in Mount Eden identified by police

Man fatally shot in Mount Eden identified by police

1:42
NY Road Runners announce new initiative with NYC Public Schools

NY Road Runners announce new initiative with NYC Public Schools

0:33
NYPD: Man arrested, charged with murder for fatal Tremont deli shooting

NYPD: Man arrested, charged with murder for fatal Tremont deli shooting

2:38
Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy hosts Mayor Adams community conversation

Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy hosts Mayor Adams community conversation

0:41
Commuter alert: Additional construction starts today along Bronx River Parkway

Commuter alert: Additional construction starts today along Bronx River Parkway

Guide: Stay safe while traveling through work zones with these 6 tips

Guide: Stay safe while traveling through work zones with these 6 tips