The metal sign with wood framing looks similar to the wooden one but needs much less maintenance. Photos provided
By Joe Capozzi
Ocean Ridge officials take pride in the town’s appearance, and that includes the aesthetics of basic informational signs on public roads.
For 18 years, distinctive wood signs have created a unique character along Old Ocean Boulevard, the town’s oceanfront promenade popular with walkers, cyclists and cars.
But a slightly new look to the signs is on the way after commissioners agreed to spend up to $14,500 on new signs made of metal and wood, which will reduce maintenance costs in the long run.
“As you walk down Old Ocean you’ll notice many of them are faded and … the wood is beginning to rot and a lot of those signs are in pretty poor condition so they would all need to be replaced,’’ Police Chief Richard Jones told commissioners on Sept. 6.
While the wood signs, with the carved turtle designs, have a unique look, they require painting every two to three years, a process that can be tedious and time-consuming for the city’s maintenance department, he said.
And because the lettering on some wood signs isn’t reflective, they don’t meet Florida Department of Transportation standards.
The new signs would have information such as the speed limit and “No Parking” on vinyl attached to a metal base, which would be embedded in a wooden frame and backer.
“Instead of having a wood sign, you have all the grain and character of that sign but on a printed reflective material that could meet DOT rules and create a lack of maintenance,’’ the chief said.
“These would be maintained every five years. If faded, they would simply require a new sticker overlaid on an existing sticker.’’
The new hybrid signs will include wood framing and like the existing signs, will be installed on wood posts.
State Road A1A will continue to have metal signs. But Old Ocean and the streets leading to it will have the hybrid signs that are expected to keep the character of the wood signs.
“I’m definitely for the combo. It just maintains the look of our town. You don’t want to cheap out on certain things,’’ Commissioner Geoff Pugh said. “The look of the town needs to stay the way it is, which is very well manicured.’’
Jones said he also plans to meet with residents on Fayette Drive, where multiple signs are attached to single posts, about a single sign containing all relevant information.
“The problem we are running into on Old Ocean and other areas is that we are so sign-polluted,’’ said resident Victor Martel.
To improve safety on the road, he suggested the city add the words reading “Bicyclists must stop’’ beneath existing stop signs.
“That will get rid of (cyclists) because half of them won’t want to come anymore. But let’s stop polluting with signs we cannot enforce,’’ he said.
Town manager selection
The commission was scheduled to hold a special meeting Sept. 29 for the selection of candidates for the full-time position of town manager.
At the meeting, an adviser with the Florida City and County Management Association was expected to recommend five finalists from a list of 15 people, including interim Manager Lynne Ladner, who have applied for the job. The finalists chosen Sept. 29 will be interviewed beginning at 9 a.m. on Oct. 12 at Town Hall. Residents can meet the candidates from 4-5 p.m. prior to final selection at 6 p.m.
Porter Street crossover
Repairs to the popular Porter Street Beach crossover, originally scheduled to start Sept. 12, have been delayed until Oct. 20 because of contractor scheduling conflicts.
Once the work starts, the crossover will be closed for about eight weeks.
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