I don't think the residents of Tallmadge care.
Years ago, an official city organization was formed to protect the integrity of the area around the Circle. Meetings were held and signs installed to designate the boundaries. Businesses conformed to the rules put in place.
These rules didn't come out of the blue -- a lot of thought was put into the selection of proper colors, plantings, lighting and size of signs. They were to be no more than 18 square feet.
Our new member committee just approved a sign of 60 square feet by a vote of three to two.
When my name appeared in the Tallmadge Express article, a business owner called me and said after following the rules put forth years ago, a new, larger sign should be in order for them. Be ready for more such requests.
Look around. Ninety -five percent of fast food stores in Tallmadge are in the Historic District. One has three corporate names, two neon signs (that flash on and off) and a big red lighted hat. Other Circle area businesses have increased their signage and added temporary signs, each day. New businesses should be limited to how long they can promote their new business by signage ("now open," "just opened," etc.).
I wish the city had razed the building and planted grass. Yes, this new building will be an improvement, but at what cost? Dunkin' orange and Dunkin' pink? I don't think so.
Meetings of the commission take place the last Tuesday of the month in Council chambers. Who attends these meetings? The reps from the corporate business headquarters, the local people involved in the new business and the architects.
May I suggest a new addition to the code -- that all businesses with a Circle address be subject to strict rules and that these rules are kept to the letter.
Joan Reisig
Tallmadge