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Franklin Township, southwest city could see signage by July
The new gateway signage for the Southwest Area and Franklin Township is ready to be implemented, but a conversation continues over which entity should get top billing. Franklin Township encompasses 40 percent of the Southwest Area. The remainder falls within the city of Columbus. During its Feb. 17 meeting, the township trustees discussed whether the title “Franklin Township” or “Southwest” should be more prominent. “I think that (Southwest) reflects the area better, in all honesty,” Franklin Township Trustee Paul Johnson said. According Johnson, the communities of Franklin Township and southwest Columbus have used the term “Southwest Area” over the years. Trustees Don Cook and Timothy Guyton favored the township being listed first. The gateway signs will be placed at township entrances along Frank Road and Harrisburg Pike. According to the Marty Homan, public affairs officer for Franklin County, the finalized design from July has "Southwest" as top billing, following by "Franklin Township" and "City of Columbus." That design decision came after numerous public meetings with both the township and Southwest Area Commission. The signs were planned as part of the Southwest Area Plan as strategy to further develop an identity for the community. The design phase was funded through grant money awarded by the Franklin County Commissioners. The primary signs are monument style and will be carved from slabs of Beaverdam limestone. A total of five primary signs will be erected. Homan said the county contracted with Columbus Compact Corporation (CCC) to implement the project. The township has not yet opened bidding for construction of the signage. CCC estimates the monuments will cost $3,000 apiece. According to Homan, the township will have a 30 percent match for its portion of the project, which will be used to install the signs. The township’s commitment is estimated to cost around $9,000, but the county expects that number to be significantly lower. The remaining costs tied to the project will be paid by the Franklin County Department of Economic Development. A secondary sign was designed to be simpler and more cost efficient. It is a small rectangular metal sign that can be attached to pre-existing Franklin County roadway signs. According to Homan, the secondary signage lends itself to the entire township, therefore, could be used universally. Once the township settles on remaining details the project could be completed as early as July.
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