Although I don’t often comment on the forum, I felt compelled to jump into this thread as I see, once again, more misinformation and one-sided opinion being shared regarding the electronic sign topic. For the record, I am a retired 40-year IT professional and OPA resident. During the initial foray by the CAC into the possibility of replacing OPA’s antiquated, manual marquees, I attended the January 16th, 2020, CAC Meeting to offer technical advice to the Committee regarding digital signs specs. Following that, I prepared for the CAC, a simple one-page RFI they could present to prospective vendors. I would be happy to share that doc with any forum member if requested.

During 2020, the Committee recognized that Worcester County would need to approve any changes to the rules regarding community signs. Several committee members attended WorCo Board meeting(s) to make their request heard and subsequently, an OPA-specific amendment regarding electronic signs was drafted and was eventually approved by the county. In the amendment, the county granted OPA permission to install four (4) electronic signs with some restrictions. According to a Jan 24, 2022, Dispatch article, that number is now eight (8). Please see the links below for more info.

The approved amendment included the following restrictions:
-The total number of signs permitted.
-Restrictions regarding the displayed content (community events and amenity & emergency info only, no commercial advertising is permitted)
-Setback requirements
-Sign design and size requirements

Allow me now to share my thoughts on the matter. For the record, I support updating some of the signs with an appropriately designed and configured digital sign. The dual paneled signs at the North and South gates seem ideal candidates for updating. These signs do not have to be (and should not be) flashing, glitzy, brightly lit signs that many residents fear. One possibility is the signs could simply be configured to mimic the signs we have now, e.g., black, block lettering shown on a white background. Pertinent, timely messages could roll by at some pre-set interval with a minimum of flashy graphics or unneeded distractions.

I know there are OPA members who still appreciate the esthetics of the old signs, the nostalgic appeal is strong with some and that’s understandable. Early on, I was a proponent of retrofitting the existing marquee structures (if structurally sound) with digital panels. This option would preserve some of the classic look of the marquee while providing a much-needed upgrade to our infrastructure. Unfortunately, the County amendment only approves the construction of new, monument-style signs which would preclude this type of retrofitting.

I also understand that some members are greatly concerned about possible light pollution from a brightly lit electronic sign. Most of the signs that I researched include the ability to automatically dim down at dusk to minimize excess lighting. This would be an important requirement for any sign under consideration.

In addition, these signs are addressable and easily updated via cell or WiFi (some signs support automatic AMBER alerts), the community will be provided with more timely info, and some level of labor savings could be recognized. Any digital sign under consideration should include a generous warranty, a complete service agreement and any long-term R&M costs should be well documented.

If indeed there is little community support for converting to digital signs then my suggestion is to simply remove all the old marquee signs and stand up two new, manually configurable, monument-style signs at each of the entrances. I recall Director Daly pointing out at a BoD meeting last year (and I’m paraphrasing) that it’s the 21st century and most everyone has a pocket computer connected to the Internet 24x7. We can get all the info we need via that channel so why the need for expensive, digital signs?

It’s been wonderful to see OPA continue efforts to update our dated and antiquated infrastructure. The new Yacht Club, the new Golf Clubhouse, all the new drainage culverts, the re-habbed mailboxes, the just renovated Admin Building, all great stuff! Let’s start working on some of the smaller items now too, like our roadside marquees.

Joe, as an aside, I wish you would please stop bashing the CAC members over their desire to promote this idea. You routinely call out forum members for ad hominem attacks and I feel this constant berating of our fellow OPA members falls into this category. Please, as you say, stick to the issue at hand. Thank you.

Link to the WorCo document that contains the board actions and the draft amendment (see pages 17-23): Click Here

Link to Dispatch article:
Click Here