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EDAB backs citywide traffic-box art contest; board requests town resolution and maintenance plan
Summary
The Economic Development Advisory Board voted unanimously to ask the town board to approve a traffic-control-box public-art contest for Grand Island; members discussed ownership (town vs. NYSDOT), anti-graffiti coatings, maintenance responsibilities and a phased roll-out of high-visibility boxes.
The Economic Development Advisory Board voted unanimously to ask the town board to authorize a program to paint traffic-control boxes on Grand Island and to pursue a public contest to select artists.
Jose (board member) said the town owns several boxes and the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) owns others; he asked for a formal resolution from the board endorsing the project so the town board can place it on an agenda and seek town approval. “I need a resolution from the DAD saying that this is what you guys wanna do, and then I’ll slap it on the agenda and get it approved by the town board,” Jose said.
Board members discussed costs, materials and maintenance. One sample application cited a $200 honorarium per artist and about $100 in Rust-Oleum primary paints plus black and white; the board discussed using anti-graffiti coatings and assigning maintenance obligations to a curator or volunteer group. “Maintenance shall be construed to mean removal of graffiti, repairs, scratches and fading, peeling, or paint. Final artwork must be covered with an anti-graffiti” (excerpt from program guidance discussed by members).
Members proposed starting on two or three high-visibility town-owned boxes (Baseline, Whitehaven, Grand Island Boulevard) and expanding in phases; the board suggested pairing the program with existing events such as the Garden Walk to increase visibility. Jose said NYSDOT will not take on ongoing maintenance for state-owned boxes; the town will need to plan for upkeep or removal if art becomes damaged.
The board asked Felicia to record the motion and minutes so Jose could present support documentation to the town board. Jen made the motion to move forward; Justin seconded and the vote was unanimous.
