Council considers ‘Smucker Alley’ gateway signage and uniform design for uptown alleys

Council members discussed a proposal for gateway signage in the Uptown Pedestrian Alley (adjacent to Lovejoy Plaza) and possible coordinated signage among adjacent privately owned alleys. A local business owner, identified in the meeting as Dawson, suggested naming an alley “Smucker Alley” in memory of Ralph Smucker, who recently passed away.

Village staff said the pedestrian alley was closed to vehicular traffic and improved as a public space in a prior project, and that signage was planned but deferred pending the village’s branding initiative. Staff proposed two options: the village could install gateway signage on the public pedestrian alley (village-owned) and name it, or staff could work with uptown business owners to help coordinate similar signage on privately owned alleys to achieve a uniform look.

Council members generally supported collaboration with business owners and the idea of consistent design standards, but several emphasized following the village’s formal naming policy and avoiding ad hoc exceptions. One council member said they had no personal objection to naming an alley for Ralph Smucker but urged adherence to the village’s established process for name recognition. Staff agreed to meet with business owners and return with a comprehensive proposal and designs. Council did not adopt a final name or install signage at the meeting; staff will coordinate with business owners and seek a design and funding approach for a single gateway sign initially, with a possible future expansion to other alley entrances.