Visitor-Friendly Wayfinding Signs Get Go-Ahead

Navasota’s train tourism logo will pay homage to its status as a Union Pacific Train Town and the role the railroad played in Navasota’s growth, past and present.

By Connie Clements, Examiner Reporter

The Navasota City Council launched its three-phase visitor-friendly wayfinding sign project with a unanimous vote at the June 26 Regular Meeting. The motion to approve the Scope of Work from National Signs, LLC for City Wide Wayfinding Phase 1 will utilize $248,004 from hotel/ motel occupancy tax (HOT funds). State law specifies HOT funds be used only to promote tourism or projects and events which will bring visitors to a community.

Economic Development Director Rayna Teicheira said that the emphasis in Phase I will be on tourism with new highway directional signs, large economic prosperity.

double-sided park signs, a Downtown Railroad District monument sign, downtown parking signs, a digital illuminated kiosk at the downtown Visitor Center, downtown street signs and a Visit Navasota sign.

A mix of sign styles and colors will be used depending on their location and purpose and will incorporate the “Navasota! So much, so close” slogan plus introduce a new logo paying homage to Navasota’s train history.

Regarding sign size, Teicheira said, “Per city codes, the directional signs, the parking signs will not need to go through an approval variance process; however, the larger signs for the library, August Horst Park, Navasota Center and the downtown visitors kiosk are regulated under the Monument and/or Free Standing signs and they’re also larger than what’s allowed per code so it will be at city council’s discretion and decision if they want to approve them.”

Councilman Josh Fultz questioned the need for larger signs and both he and council member Pattie Pederson took issue with the City possibly exempting itself from the current sign ordinance.

One proposed sign generating conversation was replacing the current Monument sign and marquee at the Navasota Library with a Free Standing sign without a marquee. A digital messaging sign was suggested. Teicheira reiterated that this kind of council feedback is desired.

Concerns about the City’s adherence to the current sign ordinance prompted Pederson to qualify her motion to approve the proposed sign designs that are in compliance with the current ordinance and that variance issues related to other signs be addressed later.