resolution to seek bids for first phase of project
Council adopts
resolution to seek bids for first phase of project
By libby kesil
Staff Writer
RED BANK — Motorists and pedestrians should find the borough more navigable with the addition of illustrative signs.
Gail O’Reilly, director of special projects for the borough, said that after a great deal of work and unexpected delays, the borough should soon begin the bid process on its identity and wayfinding system.
At its last meeting the Borough Council approved a resolution to accept bids for the first phase of the project.
Councilman Ivan Polonsky said that the project has been in the works for a long time and expressed his satisfaction that it was now in the stages of approval.
"It’s good to see that it’s coming to some sort of fruition," said Polonsky.
O’Reilly said that the signs have been slightly modified because the transportation authority needed to adhere to certain standards.
"Perhaps another time you could explain the differences to me," said Polonsky.
According to a press release issued by the borough, the wayfinding project involves various components, including signs, landscape and public art. The first phase will focus on the production and installation of wayfinding signs throughout the borough. The signs will include vehicular directional and gateway signs, place identifiers and kiosks.
According to the press release, additional phases of the system will be completed "as funding and site opportunities develop." These future phases of the system will include the development of signs for parking, street names and walking tours.
When asked about the signs that were recently installed in parking areas of the borough, O’Reilly said that those are temporary and were funded by RiverCenter, the nonprofit group that manages the downtown district. She said the organization sought and received permission to place the signs because of the length of time it will take to get the approvals for the official signs. She noted that they are similar to what the borough ultimately expects to have in place.
"They are very evocative of what you’ll see," O’Reilly said.
The system will use illustrations such as icons to indicate the waterfront area, the NJ Transit station area, downtown, arts corridor, antique district and the Shrewsbury Avenue area, according to the press release. The project is being partially funded through a $75,000 grant from the state Department of Transportation. RiverCenter has pledged $30,000 toward signs within or related to its district, according to the press release. O’Reilly said that the borough expects the wayfinding signs to be installed early to mid spring.