Hendersonville approves resolution to install city 'monument' welcome signs on West Main

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously March 24 to adopt Resolution 2026‑10 authorizing city monument welcome signs, a move Mayor Jamie Clary described as part of a broader effort to reinvest in West Main, the city’s oldest commercial area.

“West Main Street, the older part of Hendersonville … is a high priority for me,” Mayor Jamie Clary said while introducing the resolution, adding that the city has budgeted funds for an initial sign design and expects to coordinate with the Tennessee Department of Transportation. “If we expect private business to reinvest … the city of Hendersonville has to reinvest there.”

The Public Works Committee, chairman Alderman Skidmore said, had passed the item unanimously and recommended full passage. Skidmore framed the monuments as one of several initiatives aimed at improving the area and noted related infrastructure work including a traffic‑signal synchronization project and storm‑debris cleanup efforts.

Alderman Sasse asked staff to display the proposed sign locations and pressed for cost information. Planning staff (Jess) said the first sign’s engineering and design would make it the most expensive, with per‑sign estimates currently in the $75,000–$125,000 range and a rough staff figure of about $100,000 for the initial monument. Staff emphasized that TDOT approval and engineering are required before construction, and that subsequent signs would likely cost less once the design work is complete.

Other aldermen supported the measure as a branding and reinvestment tool. Alderman Collins called the signs “branding” that could give a sense of identity to parts of the city without a traditional downtown; Collins asked for follow‑up reporting on median and landscaping maintenance associated with the monuments. Alderman Brogdorf said the planning commission reacted positively and asked to be added as a cosponsor; the mayor added him by unanimous consent.

Mayor Clary also put the sign decision in the context of larger infrastructure spending commitments, noting the city’s planned paving program and other projects. After discussion, Clary called for the vote; board members answered “aye” and the mayor announced Resolution 2026‑10 passed unanimously.

The board did not set specific construction dates during the meeting; staff said TDOT approvals and engineering work would be the next steps. The resolution and related packet materials will be available through city staff for follow‑up and final design decisions.