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Council approves MCDC funding for two city gateway signs after debate over locations
Summary
The council approved Midlothian Community Development Corporation funding for gateway monument signs and associated landscaping, 4-2, while members asked staff to return with broader signage-location planning; two locations listed in the packet will proceed.
The Midlothian City Council voted 4-2 to authorize MCDC funding for the design and construction of gateway monument signs and associated landscape work, approving the locations presented in the meeting packet.
Council discussion ranged from support for a cohesive, citywide signage program to disagreement over the placement of one sign in the Midlothian Parkway corridor. Supporters said the monument signs will create a consistent, durable identity for the city; opponents argued that other entry points (for example the Fourteenth Street/287 service-road area and the main 67 exit) would be more appropriate. Staff said the small, medium and large sign designs are fully engineered and that the project has already undergone significant design and engineering investment.
Councilmember Ross Weaver said he supported gateway monuments but questioned the specific placement of a sign partway up Midlothian Parkway; staff noted TxDOT constraints and median widths limit where certain sign sizes can be located. Staff also noted that the signage program is intended to be phased and that the three sizes are engineered for different right-of-way conditions.
The council approved funding for signs and the locations presented in the packet. The vote was 4 in favor and 2 opposed. Staff and MCDC board members said the project will establish a cohesive design language and that further locations can be considered as funding and right-of-way negotiations proceed.
Why it matters: Gateway and monument signs are high-visibility investments in civic branding and streetscape; this action commits MCDC funds for the initial signs and begins a multi-year program that will require coordination with TxDOT for some locations and with private-property owners for others.
Next steps: MCDC will proceed with procurement for the two signs in the packet and staff said it will return with recommendations for additional sign placements and potential cost estimates for retrofitting or replacing older signs.
