Letter: Signs will improve navigability, safety in Scotts Valley

EDITOR,
I am writing to clarify information concerning Scotts Valley’s plan to upgrade local signs (Scotts Valley City Council OKs illuminated street signs, July 12, page 16). First of all, the funds for this project come from development funds that are restrictive and can’t be used toward the general fund. Scotts Valley businesses and local citizens tell me that better signage in Scotts Valley would be very helpful.
As a member of the Scotts Valley Chamber Ambassadors, I’ve participated in the annual City business walk. Each year, the number one concern is better signage. I’ve been particularly interested in better signs to direct people to key locations such as our library, parks, and special events like the farmer’s market. A key part of the new sign program is to provide monument signs at the entrances to Scotts Valley and to provide professional signs at several key locations that will direct people to some of the locations mentioned. People complain about signs littering our City. Hopefully the reader signs planned will help eliminate most of those temporary unsightly signs. They can also direct people to hotels, restaurants and out of the way shopping areas. As part of the program, the City also looked at replacing old street signs with larger illuminated signs. The intent is simply to update our old street signs with signs that are more easily read for the public. We were concerned about helping the public find our police department, fire department, water department as well as more easily finding streets in Scotts Valley. This has been a common complaint from local citizens (particularly our seniors). Development funds cannot be used for general fund expenses or street maintenance. The funds are restricted in how they can be used. Bringing people to local businesses and events will assist our economy while using no general funds for the project.
Please know that we on City Council are always interested in receiving feedback and try to publicize the various decisions that come before us in hopes of hearing from the community. 
Donna Lind, Scotts Valley City Council