Grand Avenue could soon be lit up with additional lights as officials last week approved a new electronic sign for the Mancos School District.
Town officials approved an exception to planning and zoning guidelines for the school's new digital LED communication sign last week following a public hearing. Zoning laws prohibit signs that flash and scroll, because they are distractive, said Tanya Brown, the school district's first ever parent and community volunteer coordinator.
"The PTA utilized volunteers to help reach out to the community on at least three separate attempts, including weekends and evenings," Brown said.
The PTA contacted up to 150 addresses within 500 feet of the proposed sign, and 88 signed letters were gathered in support of the sign. The PTA received three letters in opposition.
The sign was approved pending it's only lit for 12 hours daily, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Brown said multiple messages would be displayed throughout the day, but none that includes flashing or movement.
An anonymous donor offered to completely fund the two-sided illuminated sign, which includes carved stone pillars on the sides with the school logo on top. Controlled programmable messages can be streamed below the sign, which includes landscaping around the base.
"We owe a big thank you to the PTA for taking on this initiative, going door to door, creating awareness for the benefits the sign will bring and all the extra time and effort to make this happen," said Mancos High School administrative assistant Tiffany Aspromonte.
Aimed to increase communication to parents, students, staff and community members about ongoing school and community events, the double-sided 4-foot by 6-foot LED sign will face east and west, featuring a blue background with white lettering.
In other recent Town Hall news:
The town's first medical marijuana dispensary was unanimously approved Wednesday, Sept. 18. It will be at 385 N. Willow.
A 180-day moratorium on large-scale commercial retail stores was extended on Wednesday, Sept. 18, to allow officials adequate time to adopt appropriate zoning, land-use and design guidelines.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com