Smithtown BZA Approves Variances for P.F. Chang's

P.F. Chang's will be looking to open its doors near Smith Haven Mall in the near future. 

Town of Smithtown's Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously to approve variances for the construction of a P.F. Chang's within Smith Haven Mall, next door to The Cheesecake Factory. 

Michael Colamusi, speaking on behalf of P.F. Chang's, said the chinese bistro chain was withdrawing its controversial request for two variances to install the chain's trademark 11-foot-tall terracotta horses on either side of its doorway. The horses are mounted on 3-foot, 8-inch tall bases, standing nearly 15 feet tall over entering customers. 

"In a discussion between P.F. Chang's and Smith Haven Mall agreed to eliminate the horses all together as they were considering freestanding signs. It would restrict the mall from getting any freestanding signs in the future so they are off the application," Colamussi said. 

The restaurant's request for a variance to increase its brand name sign from 15 feet to 25 feet in height was granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals. It will be a yellow, neon light sign.

Colamussi said P.F. Chang's request to increase the maximum height of its sign is designed to be in proportion to the size of the building at Smith Haven Mall. Barnes and Noble, Dick's Sporting Goods, The Cheesecake Factory and California Pizza Kitchen's signs were all granted variances to have signs larger than 15 feet, according to Colamussi.