Published in the August 29, 2017 edition.
WAKEFIELD — The town is cracking down this week on illegal A-frame, free-standing signs in front of establishments throughout Wakefield’s business districts. But it is also offering merchants a different way to advertise.
In a letter last week, Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio wrote to business owners about an “exciting new pilot program” adopted by the Board of Selectmen in August 14.
“For years we have struggled with a mishmash of non-compliant portable signs in our business areas,” Maio writes. “These signs have been placed on private property as well as the sidewalks and detract from a cohesive presentation of our beautiful town.
“Now thanks to the hard work of our local merchants, the Main Streets organization as well as the generosity of The Savings Bank and The Wakefield Cooperative Bank, I am pleased to announce a program which will allow for portable signage which many of you have indicated is necessary to attract patrons to your business.
The particulars are as follows:
1) Only the approved “Experience Wakefield” sign will be allowed.
2) Fifty signs will be loaned out via a lottery system conducted by Main Streets — others may be obtained via a donation to the Main Streets Program.
3) The signs can only be utilized in the time and manner prescribed in the rules and regulations attached.
4) The Board of Selectmen shall reevaluate this program at its conclusion and changes may be made in accordance with the overall branding direction of the Town.
“Because any existing portable signage is in violation of the bylaws below, the DPW will REMOVE all portable signage on sidewalks and public ways during the week of August 28 and certainly before Labor Day. You are also reminded that portable signage is not allowed on your own property,” Maio continued.
Bob Mailhoit, president of the Wakefield Main Streets program, wrote to business owners, “Wakefield Main Streets, The Savings Bank, the Wakefield Co-operative Bank, and the Wakefield merchants have joined together to sponsor a pilot program that would allow for specially-designed wooden chalkboard A-frame signs to be placed at 50 selected Wakefield businesses on Saturdays from September 2 to December 2.
“Businesses are invited to pmticipate in this pilot program through a lottery system administered by Wakefield Main Streets.
“The 50 selected participants must adhere to specific guidelines on the outside placement of the A-frame sign and must sign an agreement acknowledging the terms set forth by the project administrators and the Wakefield Board of Selectmen. Rules and regulations are enclosed with this letter.
“If your business is interested in participating in this lottery, please respond by email only to info@wakefieldmainstreets.org with your name, the name of your business, business address, email address, and telephone number. All lottery entries must be received by August 30 at noon. Please note that entries will only be accepted by email.
“Program administrators will draw the names of the lottery winners on August 30 at 6 p.m. Selected businesses will be notified by email on August 31. Interested businesses that are not selected to participate through the lottery may still participate by purchasing an A-Frame sign through Wakefield Main Streets at a cost of $80 per sign. Please be advised that any A-Frame signs purchased through this program shall be the property of Wakefield Main Streets and are to be used in accordance with the program’s rules and regulations only on the specified dates. Information on the purchase of the A-Frame can be obtained by contacting Wakefield Main Streets info@wakefieldmainstreets.org.”
