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EDA advances concept for digital gateway sign on Balsam Lane, asks staff to refine costs and business outreach
Summary
The Dayton EDA reviewed a vendor concept for a digital gateway sign on Balsam Lane quoted at roughly $90,000–$98,000 for a single installation, directed staff to refine design and cost scenarios (including faux brick and a gateway top matching Dayton Parkway), and asked staff to begin outreach to nearby businesses about buyback/rental opportunities and easement negotiations.
The Dayton Economic Development Authority on Dec. 16 advanced a concept for a new digital gateway sign at Balsam Lane and directed staff to return with refined drawings, pricing options and a business-outreach plan.
Staff presented a vendor concept that included a single-sided digital sign with options for real or faux brick; the vendor quote ranged about $90,000–$98,000 depending on materials and height. Staff said the quote would include installation and basic electrical but could exclude the cost to run new electric to the site if conduit or trenching is required.
Members focused on three practical questions: how the sign would match existing Dayton Parkway gateway styling, who would control content (staff confirmed the city would control the sign if it is a city sign), and how to pay for it. Several commissioners favored using faux stone to reduce cost and maintenance, and supported matching the gateway curvature used on Dayton Parkway so the sign family is consistent across entry points.
On funding, the EDA directed staff to model options that rely partly on private participation: a ‘buyback’ or rental program in which businesses on Balsam would pay annually for rotating name-plate or digital slots. Staff estimated per-business contributions might range from about $300 to $500 per year depending on participation; commissioners asked staff to prepare a sample payment schedule and return it at the next meeting.
The EDA also noted the project requires an easement from a private property owner (the business owner at the Rainree Plaza was reported verbally open to discussion). Staff was asked to draft an easement approach and consult the city attorney on any required agreements.
The commission did not commit capital at the meeting, instead approving direction: proceed with a single sign design using faux brick, modify the top to echo the Dayton Parkway gateway element, and produce a cost-sharing and outreach plan for businesses. The EDA asked staff to return vendor refinements and estimated annual operating costs in the January packet.
Members said they view the sign as a multi-year, phased effort and emphasized avoiding a one-off expense that the city cannot maintain. Next procedural step: staff outreach to Balsam Lane businesses and a revised cost worksheet for the EDA’s January meeting.
