Merrillville redevelopment commission approves gateway and park sign project

The Town of Merrillville Redevelopment Commission on an unaniminous voice/roll-call vote approved initial invoices for a townwide gateway and park signage project, authorizing staff to begin with two prototype installations.

The commission approved the proposal by motion of Councilor Uzelak, seconded by Councilor Haynes Edwards. Angie (staff) conducted the roll call: Councilor Haynes Edwards, Councilor Uzelak and Councilor Pettit voted yes; the motion carried 3 to 0.

Commission members said the plan calls for both park signs and gateway signs. Chair (unnamed) said the commission would start with two signs to ‘‘see how they're installed, see how they look, and then we'll continue to move on.’’ The chair also described one proposed gateway location at 101st and Broadway and a proposed park sign for Steffek Park; the chair noted the signage mockups in the meeting packet and that the signs are a purple color and will include the town slogan "Heart of the Region." Committee member Sean confirmed the committee recommended 12 park signs and nine gateway signs.

According to commissioners, the overall sign program has an estimated cost in excess of $500,000 for the full rollout; the commission said it would consider financing options and how the sign project fits into the town's capital plan alongside other projects such as paving and the fire station. Commissioners said staff (Michael and Angie) would coordinate a wrap-up with personnel including Steve King, Bob, Sean and Rhonda to move the first installation forward.

The vote approved the invoices and authorized staff to proceed with the initial installations. Commissioners did not adopt a financing plan at the meeting; they said funding and sequencing will be addressed in future budget or capital-plan discussions.