Signs in 14 locations are damaged, faded or missing, Louise said. At least one dates back to 1994. New signs will be erected at no cost to the city through a business sponsorship plan. The sponsor's name will be attached separately below the signs, which may cost between $1,500 and $2,000. They will be made in the city's own sign shop, he said.
Board member Billy Toth asked about the wording, which includes the current administration's slogan, "One Plainfield, One Future." Toth said he never heard of it before. Louise said the old signs span five administrations and it was not uncommon to have a mayor's name on signs. Toth asked whether the slogan portion was replaceable and and Louise said it was not.
After a few more questions about their construction, the board approved the sign project.
Walking downtown Sunday, Plaintalker only found one "welcome" sign on the corner of Park & Front. As championed by the late Pat Turner Kavanaugh, the sign (above) includes student accomplishments. It is metal on a single stanchion, though the signs discussed Thursday will have two posts and sounded more like the large wooden signs that Plaintalker recalled seeing at other locations. If an image of the proposed design can be obtained, Plaintalker will post it later.
--Bernice
As you mentioned the sign in your picture was championed by the late Pat Turner Kavanaugh. They are placed strategically around the city at the main entrance roadways. They were financed by individual residents of Plainfield and they were designed and installed under the leadership of Superintendent John Louise at the Public Works Department.
ReplyDeleteI have been assured by the Mapp administration that these signs that recognize Plainfield student accomplishments will not be removed or replaced.
The new signs approved by the Planning Board are proposed to be placed at 16 spots where major roads cross the city limits with "Welcome To Plainfield" on one side and "Now Leaving Queen City" on the other. Each sign will have on each side of it, the city seal, "Adrian O. Mapp, Mayor" and the slogan "One Plainfield, One Future." That slogan was the Mayor's campaign slogan. The name of the mayor is interchangeable for the next mayor - but not the slogan. Is this is appropriate?
Another of my concerns with the sign is the amount of info on each side. Each side shows the City Seal which bears the words "City of Plainfield, New Jersey, Chartered 1869, The Queen City" along with drawings of the cupola atop City Hall and an outline of the town map. Each sign will bear the name of a sponsor. Add the name of the mayor and his campaign slogan and the signs are going to be a cluttered mess.
(Also, do we want to perpetuate the moniker the Queen City?)
New signs - great. But not what is proposed. My proposal: "Welcome to the City of Plainfield. Settled 1684." Period.
I support the mayor and the concept of unity in our town, but I feel these signs may need another look at.
I like the "Welcome to the City of Plainfield. Settled 1684" idea. It's simple and impressive.
DeleteI agree, Jim. I am not a fan of the sports signs, but realize the sentimentality of them.
ReplyDeleteAnyone for signs that say "Plainfield - Home of Rhodes Scholar"?
"One Plainfield. One Future." What does that even mean? Are there plans to annex North and South Plainfields and have only "One Plainfield"? It's a nice slogan for a political campaign, but not for a permanent sign on the border of other towns called "Plainfield."
ReplyDeleteTo 10:45. There is the City of Plainfield and separate towns called South and North Plainfield. I would think that was obvious. The slogan means that we need to bring Plainfield together for the good of all citizens. Let's hope the City Council also gets the message and starts to work for the people and not special interests.
DeleteWhich Plainfield do we need to bring together? There are three. ("I would think that was obvious." C'mon, Bob.)
DeleteI feel we should embrace our history and would hate to see "Queen City" removed. Perhaps the slogan One Plainfield One Future can be placed on banners on light posts such as in westfield, cranford, metuchen, etc. instead of a permanent greeting entering the city.
ReplyDeleteLike this idea especially since the banners would be seen as a unifying element throughout the city and not just at the border crossings.
DeleteWhy not have a contest? We have a High School,Du Cret Art School,and many talented Plainfield Residents who could design a " Welcome to Plainfield " sign with a better slogan.Signs designed by Plainfielder's and made in Plainfield,what a great way to promote the Queen City.
ReplyDeleteI agree signs should be simple and clean and easy easy to read
ReplyDeleteHow about P.I.P.....Pride In Plainfield. Only don't just "sign" about it....Be About It!!! Clean the streets on a. regular basis, enforce traffic laws, enforce rules for homeowners and Landlords. This city looks terrible, especially this time of year. The surrounding towns have pride in their community. Let's show some pride in ours.
ReplyDeleteI feel we should leave the slogan off, it sort of implies there is division within the city. It could also imply we are all the same in thought and deed.
ReplyDeleteRobin B.
There is one more thing to be considered when designing signs that are intended to be read while driving - the size of the letters. To be easily readable when driving 25 to 35 MPH, letters on signs should be at least 6 inches tall. So unless these new signs are going to be huge, it is best to keep the message on them short and sweet.
ReplyDeleteTom Kaercher