Bethel Signage

I am thrilled to report that the Committee for Sign Ordinance Reform and the Town Manager have been dutifully at work since the June Town Meeting. Among various duties, we have reviewed Requests for Qualifications packages, and have met with a preferred consultant. We have crafted a working vision statement, which reads: “Implement the effective use of signage in the Town of Bethel to provide for a healthy business, municipal, residential, and visitor climate while enhancing the aesthetic character and brand identity of the town.”

And we are pleased to announce a public meeting and workshop will be held on Monday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. at Telstar High School. The meeting will update the public on the ground work that has been completed, and, more importantly, there will be workshop sessions to gather and record the community’s concerns and ideas for reform as we prepare “next steps” to move forward.

This is a community-wide initiative needing input from as large a cross section of our town as possible. This meeting is for everyone. In addition to businesses and residents, we urge representation from all sectors, including: non-profit/arts organizations such as the Mahoosuc Arts Council and the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum; recreational organizations and clubs, such as the Bethel Recreation Board, and Mahoosuc Parkways; institutions such as Gould Academy and Telstar High School; and our “neighbors,” such as Sunday River, Mount Abram, and Newry business owners. In short, it takes a village – our village – to make this reform a true success and secure Bethel’s prosperity.

Richard Blanco, P.E.

Committee Member