City Department of Public Works Director Jeff Lehman (standing) goes over details with the Jamestown City Council of the temporary way-finding signs that will be installed in the city later this summer as the city awaits the completion of a final way-finding plan.
JAMESTOWN – Temporary way-finding signs will be put up around the city in the coming weeks as city officials await the completion of a $500,000 permanent way-finding plan.
On Monday night department of public works director Jeff Lehman presented the council with details of the temporary way-finding signs that will be placed throughout the city in the coming weeks in advance of the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival and opening of the National Comedy Center (NCC).
The city has received a state grant of $400,000 to pay for permanent way-finding signage around the city to assist visitors with parking and finding various destinations. The Gebbie Foundation has provided a grant to cover the remaining $100,000 in local costs. However, the consultant hired to complete the plan, Bergmann Associates, is still working on finalizing the way-finding plan and it won’t be ready until after this summer.
As a result of the plan not being completed by the end of July, the Gebbie Foundation has stepped in to pay for and post temporary signage for visitors this summer.
In April, city Development Director Vince DeJoy told the city’s Strategic Planning and Partnership Commission that officials were hoping to have the Bergmann plan completed and implemented before the Aug. 1 opening of the NCC. However, NCC officials requested changes in downtown traffic patterns – including making W. Second Street between Washington and Lafayette Streets Two-Way, as well as allowing for left hand turns onto Second and Third Street from the northbound lane of Washington Street.
DeJoy said the state Department of Transportation would have to review and sign-off on any such changes because Washington Street is considered part of Route 60 – a state designated highway. That means the plan would be put on hold to await the state input.
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