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Chamber says grants cover most wayfinding design; installation costs drive budget uncertainty
Summary
Presenters reported about $150,000 spent on design and inventory, listed roughly $930,000 in secured grants/contributions and said installation costs and NYSDOT requirements—estimated $500–$1,500 per sign—are the key variable driving a rescoped budget just over $1 million.
At the July 23 TCOG meeting, Peggy Coleman, president and CEO of the Tompkins Chamber and Visit Ithaca, summarized funding to date for the countywide wayfinding project and the remaining budget uncertainty.
Coleman said, "At this point, we've spent about $150,000" on design, rescoping and related project work. She listed secured funding sources that together cover a large portion of the rescoped budget: a $500,000 reimbursable grant through Assemblymember Anna Kellis's office, $330,000 from the Tompkins County tourism program (room‑tax based and reimbursable), and $100,000 from the county IDA, along with contributions from the City of Ithaca, Cornell University, the DIA, the Town of Ithaca and private foundation funds.
Michelle Palmer of Widom Planning and Design told the group that while the signs themselves can be purchased inexpensively—"around $300 for the sign"—installation is the expensive and uncertain element: depending on DOT requirements and site conditions, installation could range from roughly $500 to $1,500 per sign. The team estimates about 200 signs will be installed, and Coleman said the rescoped total is now "a little over $1,000,000." The presenters said many signs sit in New York State DOT right‑of‑way and that DOT review will influence installation methods and costs.
Presenters and municipal representatives agreed the Widom team will supply municipality‑specific sign lists and follow up with local officials about gateway signs and placement.
