Trying to find a new way to display information, the Board of Selectmen (BOS) is continuing the conversation on adding an electronic sign in town. At the BOS meeting on Oct. 2, the board authorized Town Engineer Jim Portley to file an application with the State Department of Transportation for approval of an electronic informational sign.

The question of what kind of signage is appropriate in town has been kicked around for several months. Back in May, the Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) opted not to engage in a discussion regarding an amendment to the town code to allow these types on signs, seeing it as too thorny an issue.

The amendment would have allowed for the use of digital display signs that use LED technology for public notices and messages. The sign would be subject to standards and conditions including that the sign would be no larger than 50 square feet; there would be a ban on commercial messages; and the location would be limited to town or state property.

The issue was directed to the Zoning Committee, but now the BOS is looking to put the sign within the state right of way, avoiding zoning regulations. Portley said the town is considering putting the sign in front of Adams Middle School on Church Street.

“Looking at the traffic data for the town, 13,000 to 14,000 vehicles go by there every day,” he said. “It is a good location and we did pass it by the Board of Education (BOE) and they were content to see it go there as long as it wasn’t identified as a BOE sign. It is a Town of Guilford sign.”

Portley said the new digital sign would replace the banner that sometimes hangs over Route 1—a banner that Portley said is a hassle and a liability to the town should it fall.

The sign would use LED technology to display public notices and messages including emergency alerts. Portley said the sign would look similar to electronic signs in Clinton and Old Saybrook and would be roughly 10 feet wide by 6.5 feet tall.

All members of the BOS were on board with the idea for the sign, but the only concern was how the sign would be situated next to the road. As it is designed now, Portley has the sign sitting parallel to the street rather than perpendicular because of state rules concerning how much of the right of way can be obstructed.

Board member Cindy Cartier said if the sign is parallel people might not see it because people will not turn their heads while driving.

“I support this, but maybe see if we can turn the sign a bit so more people can see it,” she said. “You are not maximizing the use of the sign and the traffic by having it the other way is all.”

Portley said he thought people might see it because of the reduced speed limit in the area in front of the school, but said he would look into possibly having the sign on an angle. The BOS unanimously approved the application submission to the state.