DeKalb committee approves $143,624 contract for Memorial Drive signs and banners, seeks broader revitalization plan

DeKalb County commissioners on Thursday approved a $143,624 procurement to fabricate and install branded signs and banners along Memorial Drive as part of a broader corridor revitalization funded by a $1.5 million community project funding grant.

Director Mitchell told the Planning, Economic Development & Community Services (PEX) committee that design work and community input completed earlier in the project informed proposed locations for four monument signs and six pole banners and that the recommended award goes to LandJack LLC (doing business as Fast Signs). Mitchell said the proposed signs are static, non‑illuminated structures mounted on permanent footing and that maintenance (mowing) will be handled through an agreement with the state Department of Transportation and county resources.

Commissioners pressed staff on whether the four monument signs and smaller 4-foot signs could include lighting or LED displays. "They're going to be static. There's no electric," Mitchell said, while acknowledging that larger gateway monuments would need engineering and additional funding (he named potential use of TAD money for bigger gateway elements). Several commissioners encouraged staff to return with options for illuminated or digital kiosks that could be used for community information and events.

Why it matters: The sign work is intended to change perceptions along Memorial Drive, support economic development and mark gateway points along the corridor. Commissioners emphasized that signage is one component of a larger revitalization effort that will require business engagement, programming and possibly a formal downtown-like entity to coordinate private and public investment.

Funding and scope: Mitchell said the $143,624 contract would be charged against the $1.5 million CPF grant previously awarded for Memorial Drive improvements; the grant funded design, community engagement and initial implementation steps. Mitchell also described a later, more expensive gateway element (engineered monuments) that could cost near one million dollars and would require separate funding.

Next steps: The committee approved the ITB award and asked staff to explore whether future sign elements could be back-lit or incorporate LED technology and to coordinate broader revitalization meetings with the commissioners who represent Memorial Drive.

Provenance: Staff presentation and discussion (topic introduction: SEG 791; topic finish: SEG 1205).