Lost in Laguna? City considers design for possible new signs
More signs may be popping up in Laguna Beach as the city tries to alleviate confusion for people who are unfamiliar with the area.
The Planning Commission on Wednesday will provide feedback on a design for new signs from San Diego-based Graphic Solutions, a firm the city hired last fall to work with a committee on the project.
It’s unclear how many signs would be installed and where, but a city staff report states they would be placed on “all major corridors leading to respective destinations.”
The purpose of such signs is to direct visitors and residents to beaches, parks, shopping areas, parking lots and trolley stops, among other locations.
Pedestrians cluster around downtown and may be unaware of other areas of the city and the distances to those destinations, according to the staff report.
For example, some pedestrians walk no farther than the intersection of Legion Street and South Coast Highway, unaware of shopping areas south of downtown such as the HIP District.
“There is more stuff down that way, and it’s walkable,” said Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce Vice President Kavita Reddy, a business owner who suggested the signs.
The committee included Reddy, Mayor Toni Iseman, Councilman Rob Zur Schmiede, Planning Commissioner Roger McErlane, Arts Commissioner Michael Ervin, Visit Laguna Beach President and Chief Executive Ashley Johnson and city staff members.
The signs would be color-coded depending on the area and would include walking times to locations. The city hopes information on the signs would persuade drivers to park their cars and explore the city on foot.
“Many visitors stay in their cars, not realizing what is within walking distance,” the staff report states.
The City Council will have the final say on a sign design. If the council approves, the city hopes to place some signs this summer as a trial and gather public input.
Wednesday’s Planning Commission meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the City Council chamber at 505 Forest Ave.
Twitter: @AldertonBryce
