Sign of the Times

When money is tight, people choose very carefully where to spend it. Often, out of sight means out of mind.

To help Tempe businesses be noticed a little easier, the Tempe City Council is considering some changes to the sign code at tonight's meeting (July 2.)

The changes will allow an extra significant event sign a year -- those usually come in the guise of those banners that tell you about the anniversary sale or bargain days. And the sign can stay up an extra week.

That doesn't necessarily sound like much, but if shoppers notice your store a little more easily an extra week or two out of each year, that can make a big difference to the bottom line.

The housing market will get an extra bit of assistance, too.

The temporary portable signs that direct people to apartment and condominium developments could also be enhanced. The size of those signs would double to 6 square feet. This would allow the developments to add information about amentities, specials or prices and increase the visibility of the complex.

Sale, lease and rent signs for commercial, industrial and multi-family properties could also increase from 6 square feet to 16 square feet, allowing the signs to be seen from the street a bit more easily.

If Council passes these changes to the Sign Code, they would be in effect for nine months. In nine months, this economy could change. More people could be buying homes, shopping for what they need and investing in their neighborhoods.

The point is, when times are tough, we have to work together to succeed. And that is what the temporary changes to the sign code are about.