SEBASTIAN – New way-finding signs will soon be pointing out points of interest to motorists – but a proposed waterfall and other new landmarks have been placed on hold.
The Sebastian City Council recently decided that while it was ready to commit to new signs, other “gateway” decisions needed more debate and discussion.
The council approved moving forward on small directional “trail blazer” signs throughout the city’s downtown and waterfront districts that would help visitors and residents alike find their way to City Hall, the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce and other points of interest.
The signs are expected to run about $1,200 each.
Other proposed gateway improvements the council discussed but have yet to approve include a waterfall on the southwest corner of Riverview Park, a short landscaped berm on the west side of the park and a new monument sign for the park.
“It is the gem, really for Sebastian,” Councilman Richard Gillmor said of the downtown park.
He had proposed the waterfall as a landmark for the park, noting that it would help echo the water to the east of the park.
Mayor Jim Hill, however, seemed weary of making such an addition to the park, calling it a shock to see the proposal at such a late moment in the discussion.
“The park is pretty as it is,” Hill said, adding that he wasn’t sure the additional landscaping along the park’s western boundary was really necessary.
The council decided to move forward with the small signs along US 1 and Indian River Drive to start and set a budget of $25,000 for overall gateway improvements.
They expect to have another discussion at a later date regarding what else could be done to better highlight the downtown and waterfront districts within the city.
