Planning commission settles on “Historic Downtown” label for new wayfinding signs

The Town of Clayton Planning Commission agreed during its regular meeting to use “Historic Downtown” (also discussed as “Downtown Clayton” or “Old Downtown Clayton”) as the primary text for a forthcoming wayfinding and signage project.

Commission members said they want simple, consistent signs that will make the town’s business district easier for passersby to find. The group emphasized completing and testing signage within town limits before placing directional signs along state highways.

The discussion started when a commission member asked for a progress update on the wayfinding subcommittee. Dave, a volunteer working on the project, said he had not yet finalized designs but had circulated material and noted more decisions were needed on sign content and placement. A long discussion followed about whether to label multiple business types (for example, “industrial,” “restaurants,” “shops”) or to use a single, concise label that communicates a unified business district.

One planning commissioner said, “If we just have a sign that says Downtown Clayton… I think you’re gonna pull people down here,” arguing that a single label would be easier for drivers to process. Other members agreed that a “cute, nostalgic” phrasing such as “Historic Downtown Clayton” would better convey the town’s character and attract visitors. The commission also discussed adding secondary directional blades or smaller posts in town that point to the park, businesses and other points of interest.

Members noted practical constraints for signs on state roads: the state highway department must approve poles and attachments along State Road 39/40. The group discussed installing larger directional signs on the outskirts only after in‑town posts and banners were finalized. Pete, a town staff member referenced during the meeting, was asked to provide banner and sign dimensions and vendor information ahead of the next meeting.

Commissioners also discussed funding. One participant said military‑style banners they previously purchased cost about $110 each, and the group agreed to pursue a sponsorship program that would lower the town’s cost by allowing businesses to contribute to banner fees.

Motion and immediate outcome

A planning commission member moved to adopt “Historic” (Historic Downtown) as the wording; another member seconded the motion. Speakers indicated the group would “key on historic downtown” and plan follow‑up work via email and at the next meeting to finalize graphic designs and placement. The transcript records the motion and second; no roll‑call vote with individual names was recorded in the transcript, and the group proceeded with design planning accordingly.

Why it matters

Commissioners said clearer, unified signage should increase visibility of local businesses (restaurants, shops, service providers) to drivers traveling on nearby state routes and to residents who may not know the town’s attractions. Members framed wayfinding as a low‑cost, high‑impact step to support downtown businesses and to highlight town assets such as Lambert Park and locally owned shops.

Next steps

The planning commission asked staff to (1) procure sign and banner size information from the vendor, (2) circulate design drafts to commissioners and local business owners, and (3) return a recommended placement map to the commission at the next meeting. The group prioritized installing in‑town markers and testing the design before ordering signs for state routes.

Ending

Commissioners encouraged local artists and business owners to provide input on graphics and fonts; they also discussed plaques or historical markers at points of interest in the downtown area. The commission intends to revisit costs, sponsorship details and placement at its next meeting.