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Big signs meet little approval

The road signs, meant to assist the elderly, don't fit with Dunedin's quaint atmosphere, officials say.

DUNEDIN - The people in this city pay attention to details: manicured lawns, clean sidewalks, murals on Dumpsters.

And cumbersome street signs.

The best example of one, said Assistant City Manager Maureen Freaney, is on Main Street near Sea Sea Rider's Restaurant: a sign with directional arrows toward Palm Harbor and downtown.

She said some of the signs are too big, repetitive and just don't fit in with Dunedin's quaintness. "There are some of them that may make sense," said Freaney. "We're talking about some alternatives, though, so we meet the senior needs and also do something that is more aesthetically pleasing."

So far, Dunedin is the only city to complain about the signs, which only recently popped up, said Department of Transportation spokeswoman Marian Scorza.

She said the signs are part of the state Elder Roadway User Program, which began in 1992 to help elderly people drive safely by making road improvements. Among its improvements are reflective pavement markings, overhead street signs and improved pedestrian features.

Eventually, every intersection with a traffic light will have one, she said.

"They really serve as a benefit to people when they're traveling," Scorza said. "Drivers know what intersection they are coming to and can get in the correct lane."

But city officials aren't convinced. Last week, they drove Kelli Edwards, chairwoman of Dunedin's Committee on Aging, around town to look at the signs. Edwards said there were so many signs approaching some intersections that they were distracting.

She had a better idea: one lighted sign at each intersection. "They're big," Edwards said. "You can see them because they light up at night."

Scorza said DOT is open to suggestions. The department is planning to meet with city officials to discuss alternatives. But signs do need to be big and of a uniform size, said Lap Hoang, state traffic engineer.

"That's the purpose of signage," he said. "For everyone to see."