Consider This A Sign

Guilford enhances visuals with new signage

Consider this a sign – the Economic Development Commission in Guilford has been on a multi-year project to decrease the visual clutter that exists on corners throughout the state.

Begun in 2021, Guilford began installing new “Welcome to Guilford” signs along 95 off-ramps. Originally proposed in 2015 or 2016, the signs are an effort to de-clutter signage, while boosting interest in economic development and tourism. Signs informed individuals driving into or through town of the historic districts, directions to the Town Green and more.

By the next year, signs were completed with help from the Guilford Preservation Alliance, local organizations including the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, town officials on the Economic Development Commission, and even private individuals.

In a zip06 article celebrating the completion of the first phase of signage, First Selectman Matt Hoey said “This project couldn’t happen at a better time, with our full rebound from the pandemic underway and Guilford regaining its full vitality as a great place to live and visit. This project fills the need to welcome travelers and introduce them to Guilford and its incredible array of historic places, and it couldn’t happen at a better time.

The same articles notes that John Miller and his firm Autografix manufactured the signs, and John Cunningham designed the hardscaping to minimize maintenance. Barronlee Grasso coordinated the hardscaping and Todd Ingarra from the Connecti- cut Department of Transportation all donated time and effort.

The project was so successful that the work continued on other areas. Many of the old cluttered directional signs that look like they were out of a Walker Evan’s photograph are now replaced with the same simple iconography. Multiple confusing placards are now replaced with a single sign – except in places marking route numbers.

What we need is less distractions on the road. In Guilford, these efforts they hope will pay off in increased tourism and economic development as people experience the calming and attractive waymarks about town.