Business sign project proposed

October 21, 2009

By Cherry Sokoloski

The Wellington

Joshua Griffin, owner of a local sign company and executive director of the Filling Station, hopes his proposed sign project will give more visibility to local businesses while benefiting Wellington nonprofits.

Griffin plans to take his idea to the Wellington Planning Commission on Nov. 2. The advisory board starts its meeting at 7 p.m. in the Leeper Center.

The local businessman explained his project at the town board’s Oct. 13 meeting. He wants to install three or four 10-foot signs within town limits, each of which would hold 6 two-sided business panels, for a total of 12 advertisements per sign. The signs would be erected on side streets, not Cleveland Avenue, and Griffin is currently working to identify the preferred locations.

Town board members were generally positive about the idea of promoting local business services with the signs. Town administrator Larry Lorentzen said the town will want to make sure the signs don’t compromise safety. They should not interfere with drivers’ vision or compete with traffic signs for visibility.

Griffin has dubbed the project the Wellington Advertising Sponsorship Program. Since it involves off-premise signage, which town regulations do not allow, he needs to obtain “conditional use” approval from Wellington. If the planning commission gives the project a green light, it will go next to the town board for a final decision.

Griffin plans to offer three-month, six-month and one-year advertising programs. Businesses will be able to choose one panel, more than one panel or a half panel. Signs will be created by Griffin’s business, Dynamic Image.

Profits from the project would be used to support the Filling Station, a youth club and outreach center, as well as other local nonprofits. Participating businesses would be able to deduct the sign expense as a charitable contribution, Griffin pointed out.

The town of Frederick in Weld County has similar signage in place, Griffin noted.