Laserfiche WebLink
Mishawaka Avenue Streetscape Beautification Plan – 2007/2008 Update City of South Bend Division of Community Development 17 LIGHT POLE BANNERS The installation of banners and/or flags on decorative light poles along the Avenue was another initiative that has it’s origins within the 2004 plan update. The height of the poles was in part decided with the intent of installing banners and/or flags in the future. The history of banners on Mishawaka Avenue to date has produced mixed results. While past banners did serve to establish the identity of the corridor and River Park neighborhood, problems ranging from installation methods, and limited maintenance; to durability, and weather resistance often hampered this positive image. Armed with the successes and failures of past results, the committee agreed that it was important to design a banner that is equally visible and functional, all while requiring limited maintenance. The committee agreed that the banner size and design should ultimately be appropriate for the height of the pole, so that the risk of theft or vandalism can be lessened. Banner hardware would be scrutinized so it does not clash with the color, style, or design of the light posts and exhibits the necessary durability to withstand weather conditions. One of the principal problems with earlier banners and their hardware was a lack of wind resistance, causing higher winds to place stress on the hardware framework resulting in a loss of tension and loosening of banners. This situation often served as a detractor as banners and hardware were often left detached or missing. As the banners would be smaller in size and located closer to the ground, problems with wind resistance should be lessened but the committee will explore the use of hardware that would allow for flexibility in high wind conditions. The committee will also give consideration to hardware appropriate for the display of flags. In an opportunity to achieve a larger community buy in to the project, the committee has proposed that banner designs be determined via a student contest, perhaps through Adams High School or IUSB. The committee has decided that these designs would serve as the principal design on the banner, to be accompanied by both a neighborhood/corridor logo and potentially an advertising sponsorship. The design concept may be consistent with a decided upon theme or could be part of Target Date – 2010 Funding Request -- $50,000 Location/Scope: Ironwood – Logan Improvement Sector: Central & East Photo 10: Former banners provided identity but were hampered by weather and installation issuesPhoto 11: Pole heights were selected tofacilitate banner attachments