Clarkston Sign Committee member John Pappas points out features of the recommended signage. Photo by Phil Custodio

BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
Clarkston’s sign committee doesn’t call for a catchy slogan. The city’s reputation is enough, said sign committee member John Pappas at Monday’s City Council meeting.
“Focus on direction rather than marketing, to reflect quiet confidence – the village speaks for itself,” said Pappas.
The son of Art Pappas, longtime village and city manager, treasurer, and clerk, and city hall namesake, John Pappas was back in his hometown to present the committee’s findings to the council.
The committee reviewed many styles and decided on a simple, bold, easy-to-read style. If adopted, it would be used on welcome, wayfinding, and street signs to create a unified look throughout Clarkston, said Pappas, a Chelsea resident.
“They’re elegent, I think they’re very nice,” said Council member Scott Reynolds.
“It’s a beautiful design,” said Council member Sue Wylie.
Council member Al Avery said he liked the font and color scheme, but would like to see the city’s year of establishment, 1832, retained on the new welcome signs.
New signs for outbound traffic could include a casual, friendly farewell, such as “so long,” “catch ya later,” or “take it easy,” Pappas said.
“A unique, friendly gesture as they leave town,” he said. “A casual welcome sign seemed a little too much. This is a nice compromise.”
The next step for the committee is to research cost for 4-6 village limit signs, wayfinding signs on Main Street, and about 80 street signs, all with consistent font, color, and background.
“We’ll look at different materials, bases, options, and prices,” he said. “Anything we have to build, iron work, special architectural would add cost quickly – it gets expensive very fast.”