The Grand Island Economic Development Advisory Board on Tuesday moved forward with a public-art project to paint traffic-control boxes in town and formed a subcommittee to develop application guidelines, supply lists and a rollout plan.

Justin Karcher presented sample materials and an AI-generated flyer to illustrate the concept. “I love what you put together, Justin, on that AI created flyer,” Sarah Vesio said, praising the conceptual materials and calling the idea a community beautification opportunity.

Members discussed scope and logistics: which boxes to include, whether to run the program as a rolling multi-year installation and whether to limit applicants to Grand Island residents for the first round. Board members noted some boxes are owned by the New York State Department of Transportation and said legal agreements or permits would be needed. The group also discussed supplies, anti-graffiti sealants and whether the town or the program should supply paint and other materials.

The committee decided to start conservatively, doing a phased rollout (two or three boxes per year) and to reserve at least one box for student or youth art. Jose, the town liaison, was asked to confirm how many boxes the town may authorize and to seek any necessary approvals. Members suggested copying application language from established programs in Amherst and Norwalk and having the town attorney review any agreement and liability language. The transcript records members’ expectations that legal and maintenance responsibilities must be specified in the agreement and that the New York State DOT retains ultimate authority over any cabinet maintenance or removal.

The board established a subcommittee to handle the mural project’s next steps and assigned leads and members. Justin Karcher agreed to lead the traffic-box subcommittee; other volunteers include Jen, John Faso, Corey Kostick, Bob Crispin, Felicia and others who raised hands during the meeting. The subcommittee will draft application guidelines, a supplies list that could include specific anti-graffiti sealant and paint types, suggested prize or stipend options and a recommended schedule for a soft launch and broader public announcement.

Board members discussed funding. Committee seed money (an annual line item referenced at approximately $10,035) could cover supplies and small awards; members noted money can typically be encumbered if a project is planned but not finished in a fiscal year. The board also discussed publicity, suggesting a “teaser” announcement in the Island-wide mailer and local media after legal clearances and a finalized application process are in place.

The mural effort is planned as a multi-step program requiring coordination with town staff, the town attorney and, where applicable, the New York State DOT. The board did not adopt final application language at the meeting; the new subcommittee will return draft language and a budget estimate for the committee’s approval.