An alert — and peeved — “06880 reader writes:
Flanking the east bank of the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge on the Post Road, next to the Saugatuck River, are 2 small, triangular, landscaped signs. One says the gardens were “Designed and Donated by The Laurelrock Company.”
These gardens also include granite pillars of varying heights. They do not have an explanatory plaque.
One of the small gardens by the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge …
These pillars seem to echo similar installations memorializing sad events.
Does anyone know their significance?
Whatever their meaning, it’s a pet peeve of mine that these gardens — and many other public Westport plots — are being overrun by lawn signs for various organizations and events,
Many are commendable. Some are even non-profit.
But must we now have lawn signs all over town year-round, rather than only during election season?
… and the other.
Many very lovely “corner” gardens are totally ruined by these signs. They go up many weeks in advance of what they are advertising and often stay up weeks after the event has occurred. They are an eyesore and a blight. I truly hate them! Especially in spring when so many lovely blossoms and green leaves are bursting forth.
Could not agree more, Molly. I had great hope after the push (last fall?) to stop people from placing these eyesores everywhere. But they’ve sprouted up with a vengeance this spring, sometimes 15+ per intersection.
I have a difficult time understanding why this is such a thorny issue. Can the police not enforce the ordinance? Even if they’re too busy to actually remove the signs, there’s no reason they can’t take down names (and often numbers) of perpetrators and have someone contact them to say “hey, just a reminder that these signs aren’t legal in Westport,” and request they remove them.
Alternatively, might the RTM give the go-ahead to a team of Westporters willing to yank these things up as we drive around town?
Police have more important things to do than call names on signs. Really Stacey. Get a clue
Westport’s Policy for Temporary Signs on Town Property for Advertising Charitable Events and for Political Purposes
https://www.westportct.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=233
I’ve never liked this clunky sea of stones.
I suppose it was intended to reflect the maritime setting.
But it looks like a pet cemetery. Without the charm.
There’s quite enough clutter in our downtown environment already.
It doesn’t take a big budget to produce something that is dignified.
Just a little clarity of vision and some restraint.
Seems quite simple. Other than political signs, add to the approval that a registration number must be printed on the sign, corresponding with the approval. If there is no number they are fair game for anyone to pull them and either throw them out or submit to the police dept so the person or org can be fined. The fine should be substantial and rise with additional violations. If violators signs keep disappearing right after they put them in the ground they’ll get the message not to advertise in Westport. In addition there should be a fine for each day the signs are not removed after the allowed time period after an event had occurred.
Reminds me a little of the Wolfe Tone monument in Dublin. Otherwise known as ‘Tonehenge.
Yes Dan, for some reason the week furniture signs sprout up in my neighborhood, I take them down and throw them out. I hate those signs,and also tag sale, and lost pet signs that stay up for YEARS! If you need to advertise, figure out another way .
I’m near certain that, because this is a state route, the signs which are depicted are illegal. I noticed a state DOT work crew committing sign genocide elsewhere in town last week.
your very fortunate if these issues are problems to you. I suggest that the focus be on major issues that affect the future for our children.