Fashion designer Lara Bly-Allaik was granted a certificate of appropriateness for window signage for her shop at 321 S. New St. at the Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission March 18 meeting in the Rotunda. The vote was unanimous on this one agenda item.

The off-white vinyl lettering for “Lara Bly” is in a cursive font, with “designs” in a sans serif typeface. The commission’s generally prefers a serif font for historic district signage. Since this is her company logo, the commission okayed the design. The company slogan, “A fashion design studio & boutique,” in the same sans serif font runs along the bottom of the shop window.

The applicant was encouraged to return with a proposal for a door sign posting business hours, address and contact information.

The three-story brick commercial building is owned by Newco Holdings and dates back to the 1890s.

The Bethlehem HCC is charged with the task of determining if new signs or other alterations to a building’s exterior would be an appropriate fit for the neighborhood in one of three designated historic districts. Hearings are regularly scheduled on the third Monday of the month.

Obtaining a certificate of appropriateness is only a first step for business owners and residents in a designated historic district who wish to make alterations to a building’s exterior. The BHCC’s recommendations are later reviewed, then voted on by City Council before any project is allowed to proceed.