County staff proposes phased gateway and wayfinding signage paid by tourism tax; Crossroads roundabout flagged for VDOT coordination

Kristen King, presenting for county planning/tourism staff, showed draft gateway and wayfinding sign concepts, vendor pricing from an RFP, suggested locations based on high‑traffic corridors, and a phased implementation funded by transient occupancy tax revenue.

King said the county secured better pricing through a local RFP than a cooperative contract and recommended starting with gateway signs in year one and moving to wayfinding/event signs after the first year. “After tonight's discussion, we'll move forward to the next phase, which will be to develop an implementation plan,” King said, noting the county could install signs “within a few months” once the implementation plan and planning‑commission review are complete.

Supervisors praised the design work and urged staff to work with VDOT on a taller sign or roundabout element at West Crossroads — a high‑priority gateway for Lake Anna visitors. One supervisor said the county should remove outdated or worn signage at entry points including Gordonsville. Several supervisors noted local businesses along Lake Anna had urged a sign at the West Crossroads roundabout and recommended staff continue vendor and VDOT coordination.

Staff recommended using transit occupancy tax revenue for the signage program and described a maintenance plan requiring minimal upkeep. No binding spending decision was made; staff will prepare an implementation plan, bring design details to the planning commission, and return to the board for approval.