Workers cut a hole in the sidewalk for the base of the new sign at the intersection of JFK Boulevard and Central Avenue.
Construction began Tuesday on a high-tech digital message sign that will open up a whole new world of information for residents and visitors in Sea Isle City.
The outdoor sign will measure 6-feet-by-9-feet and be mounted on an 8-foot-tall base, making it easy for motorists to spot at its prominent location on John F. Kennedy Boulevard at the corner of Central Avenue.
Since the sign will be double-sided, it will be visible to motorists entering town on the JFK Boulevard corridor and for drivers heading north on Central at the intersection with JFK.
Sea Isle officials had originally hoped to have the sign installed in time for Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the busy summer tourism season at the shore. But now it is expected to be ready by sometime next week following installation, said Neil Byrne, Sea Isle’s construction official.
“It will be able to do every kind of message,” Byrne said of the sign’s broad capabilities to serve the community.
In recent years, Sea Isle has used small, highway-like message signs at the corner of JFK and Central to make announcements about such things as road construction projects and upcoming special events in town.
Those low-tech mobile signs will now be replaced by something that is permanent and what Mayor Leonard Desiderio has called “first class” amid some criticism on social media.
Following City Council’s approval in March to purchase the $65,150 sign, some social media posters were quick to criticize Sea Isle. Some have called the sign “tacky,” while others claim that it is too expensive and will be too big.
The city’s purchase of the sign has been endorsed by the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization, the group representing the local business community, Desiderio said.
“The administration believes this is an absolutely appropriate investment for a resort city such as ours, and obviously City Council agreed as evidenced by their vote in favor of this acquisition,” Desiderio said in a statement.
Sea Isle officials say they will be able to program the sign with different messages to advertise just about anything the city wants to promote, including its lineup of family-friendly entertainment and special events over the summer.
It will also be a source of critical information, such as road construction projects or storm warnings in real time. It will also offer reminders to the public for such things as the start of parking fees in the summer or to buy beach tags.
“All of the messages will be timely, whether they are related to special events or urgent situations,” city spokesman Katherine Custer said. “There will be a broad spectrum of information available that everyone can utilize.”
The sign was a topic of discussion for more than a year while Sea Isle officials researched the best technology to buy. The sign’s vendor, Numeritex, says it includes a weatherproof design and comes with a five-year warranty.
A rendering depicts what the new digital sign will look like when it is installed for the summer. (Image courtesy of Sea Isle City)
