Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Donation Signage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Town accepts Consumer Reports gift to fund USA 250 events and contribute to new LED sign
Summary
East Haddam accepted $15,000 from Consumer Reports to support USA 250 celebrations and an additional $10,000 toward an LED sign; the sign still requires Planning & Zoning approval and a zoning regulation change for dynamic signage.
The East Haddam legislative body voted to accept $15,000 from Consumer Reports to support the town’s USA 250 celebrations and $10,000 toward an LED sign at the municipal office complex.
Todd explained the $15,000 will help underwrite a planned reenactment of the Declaration of Independence on July 11 and that the $10,000 would finish funding an estimated $54,000 sign (town has previously saved about $44,000). He cautioned that the sign still needs Planning & Zoning approval, and under current zoning regulations dynamic (changing) signs are prohibited; implementing the sign may therefore require a regulation change and additional public hearings.
Residents asked why the Planning & Zoning Commission previously rejected an LED sign, whether the Consumer Reports gift could be redirected to the town’s existing sign savings if P&Z rejects it again, and whether the $54,000 estimate includes maintenance. Todd said the donor indicated the funds would remain for town use and that the $10,000 could be applied elsewhere in town if P&Z declines the sign proposal.
The town approved the acceptance of the gift and directed the Boards of Selectmen and Finance to accept the funds. Next steps include presenting the sign proposal to Planning & Zoning and, if needed, pursuing a zoning regulation change to permit dynamic signage.
