KENTVILLE – Town council is closer to settling on a new site for an electric sign that’s been in storage since early February.
The sign, largely used to promote events within the town, was removed from its former location on Veteran’s Lane Feb. 7, about a week after council voted in favour of having it taken down in response to concerns raised by citizens.
The Town of Kentville has since received inquiries from residents curious about the intended future use of the sign, and council was presented with three new locations to consider at the council advisory committee (CAC) meeting May 14.
A staff report indicated that the double-sided sign could not be placed on a one-way street, the recommended site lines are 100 feet in either direction and the new location has to be 25 feet away from a curb.
Council was presented with three options to consider: the bottom of Burgher Hill, in the parking lot for the Visitor Information Centre and Memorial Park, or at the corner of Gary Pearl Drive and West Main Street.
Coun. Eric Bolland said he believes the Burgher Hill location would offer “maximum impact” for promotion without impacting residents in the area, which, he noted in the live-streamed meeting, “was the problem with the other one.”
There were no remarks conveying outright opposition to the Burgher Hill idea, but Coun. John Andrew did express concern about a neon sign greeting people on their way into town.
“I think it is the best choice, however, I don’t know that it creates the feeling that we’d like to create,” he said.
“I think it’s important the impression that people get when they first drive into town.”
Following the discussion, a motion recommending the Burgher Hill site for council’s consideration at a future meeting was passed.
A staff report dated for May 14 estimates that the installation would cost about $16,700, including the construction of new posts and electrical work, if the relocation work is ultimately approved.
