The Observation Deck

We had asign discussion a little while back and I had not realized that one of my wishes had been fulfilled. I didn't have time to fully read it, but when you enter Lakewood from Rocky River via Hilliard, the sign tells visitors that Lakewood is home to over 400 National Merit Scholar finalists.

I'm very happy that there is diversity in our welcoming signs. It's a small thing (and a small sign) but it's a great start.

More on this from a city press release issued today:

January 13, 2006

NEW GATEWAY SIGNS AT ENTRANCES TO THE CITY;
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO BE HONORED

New gateway signs are being installed throughout the City of Lakewood which will honor the achievements of students from the two high schools in the City. Lakewood High School and St. Edward High School will provide the names of students and/or teams to be included along with their athletic, civic and/or academic achievements.

These new signs were designed and constructed by the Lakewood Division of Traffic Signs & Signals using a synthetic product that does not warp, rot or crack, providing much greater longevity than the previous signs. There will be a total of 11 signs, one at each of the gateway entrances. Construction of the final signs should be completed in early February.

These new upgraded signs achieve one of the goals of the Main Street Connections report which was funded through the Northeast Ohio First Suburbs Consortium Economic Revitalization Initiative in 2001. The Main Street report indicated that enhanced gateway signs help create a strong image and sense of identity by helping to geographically identify the area. This report was adopted by the Planning Commission on July 3, 2001 and continues to serve as a framework for development activities in the City.

"We are very pleased that our gateway signs project is near completion," stated Mayor Thomas J. George. "These new signs not only achieve one the goals of the Main Street Report but they are also an attractive, cost-effective means of welcoming people who are entering our community."


__________________

Kevin Butler
Councilman, Ward 1

Have to say it's nice to see a town puts an intellectual achievement on it's "welcome to" sign. Nothing against people who like sports and all that, it's just that eductional achievements deserve more recognition than they usually get.