Unattractive informational signs clutter the streets as well
Dear Mr. Moore and Board members:
I applaud your efforts to address the issue of visual aesthetics in Old Forge.
It is understandable that every business wants to get their message out and be “seen,” but in order to look attractive all communities, including Old Forge, need some measure of signage control to limit “visual clutter.”
Town, county, and state road signs can also be a source of visual clutter.
For example, in the 1.8 mile stretch of the South Shore Road from the Hemmer Cottage to the turn by the Adirondack League Club there are 192 metal road signs alerting drivers to upcoming curves/intersections (63 signs), no stopping any time (57), speed limit (44), and 28 signs with warnings for deer, bikes, school buses, pedestrians, and trails.
That’s approximately one sign every 49 feet.
Not only is this sign clutter aesthetically unappealing, it is an insult to the intelligence of those who have passed a driving test.
The 2011 Rand McNally New York road atlas designates this stretch of road as a “scenic route.”
If the people at Rand McNally actually saw all these signs today, I wonder if they would continue this special designation?
And on an associated topic, there aren’t many drivers who would be able to keep their vehicles on the road if they drove the posted 45 MPH on the south bound lane at the League Club turn!
If you agree that excess road signage is an aesthetic issue on the South Shore Road, and maybe elsewhere in town, I hope you will include this in your laudable effort to make our community more attractive.
Sincerely,Frederick M. Genung
Old Forge
