Keith Barber

Signs, signs everywhere a sign… except in Milton.

But a group of business leaders are hoping that could soon change.

The city of Milton has strict sign regulations in place with the intent to limit massive amounts of roadside signage and driver distractions. Signs on highway entryways are not allowed, and the city frowns on off-site signage or signs not located at a specific business.

However, a big change is about to come to Milton because of the Highway 26 Bypass. The roadway is to be completed next year, and the approximate 16,000 daily vehicles that normally drive through the city, will skirt a mile east around the city — of course, missing downtown businesses.

Business leaders find it essential that some direction be given to motorists while on the bypass, steering them back to town.

The Milton Area Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism is taking the lead in trying to get sign regulations eased. Plans are to develop a plan on how to use state and potentially city roadside signs to draw potential customers off the bypass. A task force has been established and will eventually present the idea to the city’s Plan Commission for approval and sign code overhaul.

Keith Barber is a data reporter at The Daily Reporter. He has signs across the office directing people to his desk.