Hadley to tell its history with new sign project

By SCOTT MERZBACH

Staff Writer

Published: 01-04-2023 8:55 PM

HADLEY — Signs containing narratives and graphics to inform visitors and residents about Hadley history are expected to be placed around town in the coming months.

Last month, the Planning Board unanimously approved the concept for the four, 2-foot tall by 3-foot wide signs, subject to additional permission that would be granted by the Select Board and building commissioner.

Historical Commission Chairwoman Diana West explained that the signs, made from black powder coated aluminum, will provide details about a particular area of town and associated historical sites. One side will have the information in English and the other side will have the information in Spanish.

The locations chosen for the educational signs are near the Hockanum Schoolhouse on Route 47, the Goodwin Building on Middle Street in town center, the West Street Common at the Norwottuck Rail Trail and in North Hadley on the traffic island formed at Mount Warner Road and River Drive.

The idea, West said, is to have places where people will be enticed to stop and then safely pull over their vehicles to read the signs.

The project has been developed in recent years with assistance from consultant Berkshire Design Group of Northampton. While originally the commission had planned to have more signs, West said a decision was made to have a more limited scope.

In other business, the board approved signs for The Aerobics and Fitness Studio, a business that is being run by Kim Davidson at 220 Russell St., and for the Hot Table restaurant, 344 Russell St.

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