| Author | Message | ||
     ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5361 Registered: 9-2001  |
I am not sure where this thread should go so I’m posting it in both Please Help and Mostly Maplewood: Related to Local Govt. It’s not often I ask for help, however, my request is not just about my need, I would like to believe it’s for all of you as well… Public signage sometimes tends to be offensive, and I’ve been thinking about placing a sign advertising the Bed and Breakfast somewhere in front of my property. I’m not positive I want one, but if I do, what should it look like, (metal, wood, plastic,) what should it say, and where should it be placed? This will be the first of four possible B&B sign locations for our town, and very well may set the standard for future signs. The signs in Cape May and Spring Lake are mostly large and ornate. Given the limits of only four square feet, the innkeepers in Maplewood don’t have very much space to work with. Anyway, I hope the time to make the decision is coming soon, that is if and when they ever get around to responding to my request for the application form I turned in three weeks ago. Maplewood Ordinance #2357 states: THIRD: (g) Signage: (1) Signage for the Residence shall be restricted to a single ground graphic or wall graphic, but not both, in the front yard or on the front wall of the Residence at least fifteen (15’) feet from the front property line. If the Residence is a corner lot, two (2) graphics are permitted, one for each front yard, in compliance with the front site triangle provisions of Section 271-55 of the Code of the Township of Maplewood. (2) Maximum area of the sign shall be four (4’) square feet. (3) Maximum height of the sign shall be six (6’) feet for a ground graphic or eight (8’) feet for a wall graphic. (4) The sign may be illuminated externally by not more than two (2) seventy-five watt light bulbs. Internally illuminated signs are not permitted. No sign shall contain a telephone number or words to the effect that the Residence is full or vacant. There are a lot of graphic designers in our community, not to mention all of the artist and other talented people. Therefore, my thought is it might also be interesting to make this a little town-wide contest. As a sign of my appreciation for anyone willing to become participants in the contest, I’m willing to make a $500.00 donation to Rotary’s Maplewood Beautification fund, and also give the winner and the first and second runner ups a free weekend Gift Certificate to Les Saisons. I am open to suggestions on how and where to publicize this, or even if I should have the contest in the first place? Before I do anything or think more about it, what say you folks on "MOL"? | ||
| tom Citizen Username: Tom Post Number: 5405 Registered: 5-2001 |
If I were you I'd speak with several graphic designers and hire one to do the project for you. That way, you can get a design that's an integrated part of your B&B's identity, instead of something just stuck on the lawn. You want all your visual materials to work together: menus, stationery, table cards, web site, signage and whetever else. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5371 Registered: 9-2001 |
Thanks Tom, that's what I decided to do... | ||
| mjh Supporter Username: Mjh Post Number: 728 Registered: 5-2001 |
ajc; Thread drift: Sorry, I was trying to PL you with a question, but it doesn't seem to be working. My question relates to your mention of the Rotary Maplewood Beautification fund. The Clinton School PTA is working hard raising funds and volunteers (sweat equity) to help landscape the grounds of the school. I'm just wondering if the Rotary would be interested in helping with such a project? How/whom would I contact? I know loads of our schools have similar issues, but Clinton grounds got so bad the place looked abandoned. Right now, we have a relatively minor project planned (to match the budget), but would be very happy for any help we can get. Our local neighborhood association is going to make a donation too. Even a gift of a tree or two would be more than welcome. Thank you | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5373 Registered: 9-2001 |
Dear Mjh, I invite you to join us for one of our weekly Rotary dinner meetings. Please come as our guest to Cryan’s in South Orange on Tuesday night at 6:30 PM. We request that anyone looking for assistance present their story before the membership. If you are available please give me a call, it sounds like a very worthy cause... Art cell # 973-699-8276 | ||
| mjh Supporter Username: Mjh Post Number: 730 Registered: 5-2001 |
Thank you ajc. I'll see if I can come, and will call you. | ||
| Tea Kettle Citizen Username: Teacup Post Number: 14 Registered: 7-2006  |
I thought there was much celebration previously regarding your application being accepted. Maybe I misunderstood. I thought the application decisions will only be made yearly? I guess you have a pretty long wait ahead of you. Plenty of time to even whittle your own B&B sign (I thought there used to be one there.) | ||
| Scully Citizen Username: Scully Post Number: 900 Registered: 8-2005 |
No, that was for Ordinance #2357 passing to even allow for B&B's to exist. Once that happened Art had to apply for his own. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5379 Registered: 9-2001 |
Mjh, I spoke to the members of the Rotary Club tonight and told them of your request for some help with Clinton School. All you have to do is show up. Listen, if you can't make it send someone else in your place... Art | ||
| MeAndTheBoys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 4319 Registered: 12-2004  |
Definately something wood, with carved lettering, in an elegant font, some kind of script, but not too "scroll-ey", with some gold accents (perhaps lettering and a border), incorporating some of the colors on the exterior of your house, perhaps between a couple of nice posts with balls on top, softly lit at night. And I agree with Tom that it should be incorporated in all aspects of your business: letterhead, postcards, whatever else. Create a "logo" and an identity for your place. |
