Budget and Signage Central Issues for Tomorrows DIDA Meeting

IRONWOOD, MI - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - The Downtown Ironwood Development Authority (DIDA) will be holding a special budget meeting tomorrow at 8:00 AM, CST.

The meeting will primarily involve discussion of budget matters, however, bids for the historic plaques and sandwichboard signs will be reviewed. The DIDA plans on installing plaques throughout the downtown that point out the historical significance of various structures. Local historian Larry Peterson will be conducting history tours throughout the summer as well. Signs on the railroad bridge between Ironwood and Hurley will also be discussed, as well as a wayfinder sign to be placed in Hurley.

The DIDA intends on placing sandwichboard signs on US 2 and US 51 when special events are taking place downtown. The newly proposed Zoning Ordinance that was approved by the Planning Commission outlaws sandwichboard signs, however. The DIDA will be appealing to the City Commission to amend the proposed Ordinance to put restrictions on such signs, rather than banning them.

Most communities allow sandwichboard signs with restrictions. For example, signs must meet a certain quality standard and they must be taken in at night. There has been a problem with such signs both downtown and on the highway.

When properly done, however, they can be both effective and attractive, without creating a maze for walking traffic.

Speaking of signs... the following sign seems to display a good deal...

But if you take a closer look...

It's $4.99 for a 1/2 dozen! Quite a different deal!

Jim Albert